Instruments of American Excellence

The Kentucky Forge Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month for demonstrations, networking, and discussions. Members of the public are welcome to attend.  

The Kentucky Museum is thrilled to announce the return of Hammer-In, an outdoor festival celebrating metal working traditions of Kentucky, sponsored by Logan Aluminum and the Kentucky Humanities Council. Come observe demonstrations of forge, tinsmithing, aluminum pour, and basic forge skills and have the opportunity to speak with representatives of The Kentucky Forge Council, WKU League of Sculptors, and special guest the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths.

Special guests include Elizabeth Belz of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, who kicks off the event at 10:30 a.m. with a special talk about her interest and career in metal working, specifically touching on ways the field has become more inclusive and diverse in recent years. At 1 p.m., blacksmith and toolmaker Andrew Larson will provide a special forge demonstration and discussion of his self-taught blacksmithing skills and forging the future of metal working in Kentucky.

The event will also feature demonstrations and narrative stage talks throughout the day, and local food truck EmpanadasBG will be onsite. More information and the event schedule is provided at https://www.wku.edu/go/hammerin

Ready to Trick-or-Treat through the Museum?

With our partners from Mammoth Cave National Park and Crawford Hydrology Lab, we are thrilled to present our Fall Open House! Come join the fun for:

• Premiere of our latest exhibition, Styles &thegistofit, curated by Dr. Carrie Cox and featuring the story of Bowling Green’s first fashionista and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs of her time, Carrie Burnam Taylor.

• Short rotating film series on recent research in Mammoth Cave.

• Talk with scientists from Mammoth Cave National Park and Crawford Hydrology Lab while touring Gazing Deeply and learn how you can help protect one of the season’s greatest stars: bats!

• Selfies with LEGO Big Red.

• Discover who won our Fall Sweepstakes (and if you win, to pick up your prize!).

• Trick-or-treat as you view our new exhibits and gather fun and yummy goodies.

Hope to see you there!