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Hours:
Wednesday-Friday (10AM-4PM)
Saturday (10AM-2PM)
or by appointment, admission is free.

SHELBY COUNTY KENTUCKY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Membership in the Shelby County Historical Society is open to all who are interested in the study and preservation of the history of Shelby County, its communities and families.

Members receive a quarterly newsletter keeping them informed of upcoming meetings and events, volunteer opportunities, advance notice of publications, and information of local, regional and state interest. Members-only events include the annual Summer Picnic and Christmas Dinner to let our members know how much we appreciate their support.

Countdown to USA 250th!
 
Shelbyville, KY – Shelby County is getting ready now to help America celebrate a BIG day – its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! As this will only happen once, the Shelby County Historical Society (SCHS) wants to encourage individuals, organizations and businesses to join us in honoring the land of the free and those who fought for those freedoms.

ANNUAL MEMBERS PICNIC
 
Sep 8, 5PM-7PM: The Shelby County Historical Society would like to invite our members to our Annual Picnic. Guest speaker, Dr. Patrick Lewis, Director of Collections & Research for The Filson Historical Society. Dr. Lewis will speak about “Unpacking Boone’s Knapsack: Maps, Giants, and Ideas in the Revolutionary West”.

The Shelby Historian

The Magazine - Now Available

Can be purchased in person at the history center.

Or mail your order to:
PO Box 444,
Shelbyville, KY 40066 

Or order online through the link below:

  • Magazine: $12.00, easy-to-use interface
  • Shipping: $4.00
  • Online Payment Processing Fee: $1.00

SCHS partners with Shelby Life

The Shelby County Historical Society has once again been hard at work on its annual publication. Our much-anticipated magazine is a little different than in the past. SCHS has partnered with Gary Walls and Shelby Life Magazine to produce a special Shelby Life issue devoted to Main Street Shelbyville for June. You’ll meet the special business owners, distinctive businesses and unique characters who have contributed to the heart and soul of Main Street. Each story is well researched and documented, carrying out the Historical Society’s mission to preserve and promote the knowledge of Shelby County and Kentucky history.

With 2024 being the 40-year anniversary of the Shelby Main Street Program, Main Street Manager Darlene Snow details the fascinating history of this program which has seen many great leaders and progressive changes over the years. The Shelby Main Street Corporation was established in 1984 by community-minded individuals and local business leaders and SCHS leaders and former mayor, Neil Hackworth. 

You’ll read stories about Biagi’s, Paul’s Shoes, Dewey’s Poolroom & Restaurant, Tracy’s Furniture Store, the Interurban rail line, Fountian Square, and downtown movie theatres. Authors include the many talented writers among the Historical Society and the equally talented regular monthly contributors to Shelby Life.

As always, the high quality full-color monthly magazine captures the essence of the Shelby County community. The Shelby County Historical Society wishes to thank Gary Walls for his efforts in making this happen. If we all do our part at preserving the past, we’ll have a great future.

Stop by or contact the Museum/Office to pick up your FREE copy if you haven’t already seen it.

Renew Your Membership or Join Now!

It's now time to renew Your Membership Dues!
Please use our online form or make your check out to Shelby County Historical Society, mail to
SCHS Membership, P.O. Box 444, Shelbyville, KY 40066
Donations!
 We request and welcome monetary contributions and donations. As this helps with our Educational programs, exhibits and events. All donations are greatly appreciated and deductible.
​ Online Membership Application

The Shelby County Historical Society preserves and promotes knowledge and appreciation of Shelby County and Kentucky history.

Address

627 Main Street
Shelbyville, KY 40065

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 444
Shelbyville, KY 40066 

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