Kentucky Museum News

On May 18, the Kentucky Museum and International Council of Museums (ICOM) invites the world to recognize the pivotal role museums play in education and research under the theme “Museums for Education and Research.” This global celebration highlights museums as vibrant spaces that cultivate learning, inspire curiosity, and contribute to groundbreaking research.

An annual event since 1977, International Museums Day highlights the crucial role of museums in cultural exchange, enriching cultures, and fostering understanding among people. Locally, the Kentucky Museum fulfills these goals and – this year – recognizes its part in fulfilling the educational and research initiatives of Western Kentucky University while supporting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #4 of Quality Education and #9 of Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. It does so through exhibitions, educational opportunities, and community events.

“From our recent America250 program on the Indigenous peoples of Mississippian-era Warren County, as researched by Kentucky Archaeology Survey staff working at WKU, to exhibitions that explore the contemporary art collected by Rev. Al Shands and his wife, Mary, or that created by our own diverse community in the annual Abound Credit Union Celebration of the Arts, the Kentucky Museum is dedicated to ensuring quality educational experiences while helping bolster strategies that will make our community resilient, inclusive, and innovative long into the future,” stated Brent Bjorkman, the Museum’s Director. “We continue to uphold our mission as a town-gown bridge and look forward each year to May 18 and celebrating the important role that museums play across the world.”

In recognition, the Kentucky Museum is encouraging gifts to their Museum for All fund, which supports continued free admission, student internship opportunities, and operations. While the Museum receives financial support from WKU for full-time staffing needs, it must seek private support to fund internships, fellowships, exhibitions, programs, and collections care.

“The Museum for All Fund is an initiative to raise at least $400,000 in endowed funds, which will support core annual operations while allowing us to keep admission free,” stated Exhibits Curator and Development Coordinator, Tiffany Isselhardt. “We are about a quarter of the way to our goal, and every gift counts towards reaching endowed status, enabling us to have a better financial footing for the future.”

Make a secure gift online here: http://alumni.wku.edu/admissionfund

About Kentucky Museum

The Kentucky Museum celebrates all aspects of South-Central Kentucky’s art, history, and culture. With over thirteen exhibition galleries and numerous public programs, the Kentucky Museum is a town-gown bridge dedicated to fostering appreciation for and investment in our campus and community’s heritage. The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.