Kentucky Humanities in partnership with the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS), will tour Americans, across the state, offering Kentuckians an opportunity to explore the power of national symbols, stories, and the ways history shapes identity.
The Americans exhibit examines the myths, realities, and cultural impact of iconic events and figures such as Pocahontas, the Declaration of Independence, and the Statue of Liberty. Through engaging displays and interactive elements, visitors will gain fresh insights into how these narratives influence American life and thought today.
Kentucky Humanities has selected seven sites to host Americans as part of the Museum on Main Street program — a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The Smithsonian exhibit will make stops in Paducah, Greenville, Clinton, Henderson, Carrollton, Versailles, and Ashland from August 23, 2025, through July 5, 2026. A tour schedule is below.
“We are thrilled to bring this outstanding exhibition to communities across Kentucky,” said Bill Goodman, Executive Director of Kentucky Humanities. “At Kentucky Humanities, we believe that history and storytelling are essential to understanding who we are. This exhibit will spark meaningful conversations and allow Kentuckians to see their place in the broader American story.”
Designed for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, Americans will provide a great opportunity for host organizations to explore how the history of American Indians in their areas are incorporated into local stories. With the support and guidance of Kentucky Humanities, each site will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs, and facilitate educational initiatives designed to raise people’s understanding about their own history, and the places they call home.
The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about Americans and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.
Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the U.S. Congress, Kentucky Humanities, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
August 23, 2025 – September 27, 2025 at the River Discovery Center in Paducah
October 4, 2025 – November 15, 2025 at the Muhlenberg County Public Library in Greenville
November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 at the Hickman County Memorial Library in Clinton
January 10, 2026 – February 21, 2026 at the Henderson County Public Library in Henderson
February 28, 2026 – April 11, 2026 at the Carroll County Public Library in Carrollton
April 18, 2026 – May 23, 2026 at the Woodford County Library in Versailles
May 30, 2026 – July 5, 2026 at the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center in Ashland
Thank you to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for their support in moving the exhibit throughout the Commonwealth.
