The Shelby County Historical Society provides a number of public programs and events to support our mission to “preserve and promote the knowledge and appreciation of Shelby County and Kentucky history.” Great examples are:
- A Hero’s Welcome: Lafayette Returns, a program under the With Liberty & Justice For All series and part of our effort to promote America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
- We host special activities, often with historical reenactors or the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution), to tie into Shelbyville Main Streets events such as Wild About Shelbyville held in May 2025.
- Our History Matters Speakers Series features historians, authors, and speakers with a passion for history. The Shelby County Public Library partners with us on this series.
Please click the “Read more” button below to learn about additional ways you can support the Shelby County Historical Society.
Donate
Whether it’s an annual amount, or a one-time donation to a specific cause or program, your gift ensures you are doing your part to save history for generations to come.
Read more
Support may come in many different forms – monetary, volunteering, loans, gifting of collections, or a one-time sponsorship of a special project. We appreciate each and every donation to further our mission. Funding is needed for:
Annual History Magazine
This is one of our largest expenses, as well as one of the most popular projects we undertake. It is a project which benefits many. Help us record our history by assisting with the costs, contributing an article, or by sharing your expertise in the production of an annual publication to document our shared history.
Annual Summer History Camp
Funding is needed for compensating presenters, printing costs, snacks and bottled waters, activity supplies, and providing scholarships for students who cannot afford to attend.
Memorialize a Loved One
Consider a donation to support and honor a project your loved had a passion for, or to keep their memory alive.
Daily Operational Costs
Our operational expenses can add up! Your contribution is valuable to the success of our organization and allows us to print rack cards, distribute our newsletter, and have available materials to distribute to promote summer history camp, field trips, Junior Historical Society events, special programs, and booths at community events.
Matching Funding & Partnerships
Partner with us! We apply for many grants, some of which are matching grants in which we must supply half the cost. If you would like to cover the cost of “matching” the funding for us, or partner on a special event or project, we would appreciate your contribution.
Special events under this category might include:
- 250th Events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026
- Revolutionary Minutes – 60 seconds of Shelby County & American history lessons airing on our Facebook Group page and YouTube
- Summer History Camp
- School Field Trips
- Workshops
- Junior Historical Society activities
Donors List
No amount goes unnoticed. For a listing of our top donors.
2024 Donors List
- Squire Boone – $2,000+
- Anonymous Donor – $5,000
- Traditional Bank – $5,000
- Shelby County Community Foundation – $5,000
- Vince Akers & Lisa Green
- Whitney M. Young, Jr., – $1,000
- Bonnie & Whitie Gray
- Sharon & Neil Hackworth
- Sherry Jelsma
- Lucy & Charles Long
- Dr. Leon & Carol Mooneyhan
- George Sanderlin
- Kentucky Colonels
- Daisy Saffell $500+
- Kerry & Deborah Magan
- Heather Cecil
- Larry K. Rogers
- Jerry Miller