LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Science Center is supporting cultural and educational organizations across the country, donating more than 14,000 items from its collections to institutions in the commonwealth and beyond. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Science Center has donated more than 14,000 items to cultural and educational institutions across the U.S. 

  • The museum said it is offloading collections of items that were previously on display but no longer pertinent to its mission 

  • Among the organizations receiving donations include the Frazier History Museum, the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Indiana State Museum 

  • The science center added it will continue finding new homes for additional artifacts 

The museum said it has gradually offloaded collections of items that were previously on display but are no longer pertinent to its mission. Eight organizations have received 14,163 items, which the Kentucky Science Center said underscores its commitment to preserving and sharing Kentucky's cultural and natural heritage.

They include the Frazier History Museum, Filson Historical Society, the Kentucky Derby Museum, Arch Diocese of Louisville and Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville; the Indiana State Museum and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indianapolis and the International Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, Indiana. 

"We are thrilled to collaborate with these institutions, ensuring that these valuable items continue to educate and inspire," said Kentucky Science Center President and CEO Mike Norman. "This initiative reflects our dedication to the stewardship of our collection and the broader goal of fostering a deeper appreciation for science, history and culture."

Here are some highlights:

  • Kentucky Derby Museum: The museum's new "See and Be Seen" fashion exhibit, which looks back on decades of Derby fashion trends, features a selection of clothing items from the Science Center's collection 
  • Great Lakes Environmental Institute: The northern Michigan organization has received 800 mollusk specimens and more than 1,400 herbarium pieces, becoming the farthest organization from Kentucky to receive a donation. The center said this donation will support research and educational programs focused on biodiversity and conservation in the Great Lakes region 
  • Frazier History Museum: The Kentucky Science Center has donated a variety of items from Louisville's rich past, helping illustrate the city's history and providing visitors with a deeper understanding of its heritage 

The museum added it will continue finding new homes for additional artifacts.

Located at 727 W. Main St. on Louisville's historic Museum Row, the Kentucky Science Center spans more than 50,000 square feet and is open to the public seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit its website for tickets and more information. 

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