Wayne County Kentucky Historical Society

09/03/2026

08/28/2026

The Cornbread Festival is TOMORROW, from 9am-6pm at the Mill Springs Recreation Area ‼️

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

Everyone is welcome to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the A. J. Lloyd Project at the Historical A. J. Lloyd Building.

08/24/2026

The public is encouraged to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the AJ Lloyd Project at the Historical AJ Lloyd Building — this Wednesday August 26th at 11:30am ‼️

08/24/2026

Thank you, Colleen!

08/19/2026

📍 NEW SERIES: Kentucky Wildlands County Spotlights!

We’re kicking off our new County Spotlight Series with Wayne County, Kentucky!

Here are a few fun facts you may not know:

Named for a Revolutionary War hero: Wayne County was named in honor of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, a celebrated officer of the American Revolution.

It’s home to one BIG waterwheel: Historic Mill Springs Mill features a 40-foot overshot waterwheel, recognized as one of the largest - and often cited as the largest operating overshot waterwheel - in the world.

Lake life is part of the landscape: Lake Cumberland forms much of Wayne County’s northwestern border, giving the county plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, paddling and unforgettable views.

Even the county seat has a presidential connection: Monticello was named for Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia home and became Wayne County’s seat when the county was formed.

And that’s just scratching the surface of what there is to discover in Wayne County! 🎣

👇 Now we want to hear from you: Which Kentucky Wildlands county should we spotlight next? Drop your pick in the comments!

📸: Dick

08/17/2026

Thank you, Mrs. Pyles! I can't bring myself to call her by her first name as she was my 5th grade teacher and it just doesn't seem right. 😀

08/11/2026

Longer Summer Break? No Problem! Let’s Visit Our Local Museum!
-Looking for something fun, educational, and right here in our own backyard? Make plans to explore the William Crenshaw Kennedy Jr. Memorial Wayne County Museum!

-Our museum is packed with local history, fascinating artifacts, and stories about the people and places that helped shape our region. There’s something new to discover around every corner!

-One of our favorite spots? The downstairs cave room!
And did you know the Monticello Tourist Commission recently donated $15,000 to help revive and remodel this unique area of the museum? We hear there’s another exciting project coming soon, too! 👀

📅 Summer Hours:
Tuesday–Friday | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

❄️ Winter Hours:
Tuesday–Friday | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

The museum is also open on Saturdays when there is a downtown event.
Need a tour or want to visit on a closed day? Contact the museum about after-hours visits and special tours!

Whether you’re a lifelong Wayne County resident or just passing through, there’s no better time to learn a little more about the place we call home. ❤️
ADMISSION is FREE!

Make the most of summer break—go explore your own history!

📍 William Crenshaw Kennedy Jr. Memorial Wayne County Museum

Wayne County Kentucky Historical Society
Wayne County/Monticello Museum