Kentucky Hidden Wonders

Celebrating Shelby County's Rich History with Helen McKinney


Listen Later

Helen McKinney, Executive Director of the Shelby County Historical Society, reveals the rich historical significance of Shelby County and the many programs preserving its heritage. As a descendant of Samuel Boone (brother to Daniel and Squire), Helen brings a personal connection to the county's frontier past while leading efforts to celebrate America's upcoming 250th anniversary.

  • Historical Society programs include the popular History Matters Speaker Series with 50-75 attendees per session
  • Award-winning summer history camp engages 65-70 children annually with a waiting list for participation
  • Science Hill Female Academy celebrates its bicentennial in 2025, founded by Julia Tevis as one of the first female academies west of the Alleghenies 
  • Plans for America's 250th birthday include History Minutes videos, special programming, and a grand parade in 2026
  • The Historical Society is investigating the Simpsonville Massacre site where Confederate guerrillas killed Black Union soldiers
  • Hidden wonders like underground tunnels beneath Shelbyville and historic tombstones at the library grounds reveal unexplored aspects of local history
  • The museum is open Wednesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-2 with membership starting at just $25 annually

Visit www.shelbykyhistory.org or contact [email protected] to learn more about becoming a member, volunteer, or supporting their historical preservation efforts.

Send us a text

Do you know someone who would be an excellent guest on Kentucky Hidden Wonders? You can nominate them by filling out the form linked HERE or going to visitshelbyky.com/podcast and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism.

🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com. Located in the heart of central Kentucky and less than an hour from Louisville and Lexington, ShelbyKY is the perfect Kentucky getaway. Complete with two great distilleries, action-packed outdoor adventures, and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® trip, romantic couples retreat, or a whole-family vacation.

🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is hosted by Janette Marson and Mason Warren and edited by Mason Warren.

📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders:

  • facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders
  • instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/
  • youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders

© ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Kentucky Hidden WondersBy Kentucky Hidden Wonders