Since its founding in 1995, the Hopewell Museum of Paris, Kentucky has fulfilled its mission of connecting people by “collecting, preserving, and sharing the history and culture of Paris, Bourbon County, and the region.” On February 23, 2024, Hopewell opened its most ambitious and extensive permanent history exhibit. The exhibit introduces the visitor to County history through the themes of Community, Commerce, Agriculture, Civil and other wars, Religion, Education and Politics. There is also a special exhibit devoted to Bourbon County Inventors.
Hopewell Museum is housed in a beautiful Beaux Arts building dating to 1911 that served as the Paris Post Office until 1965. The exhibit is installed in three main galleries that once served as the main workspace of the postal workers. Flanking this space is an L-shaped gallery that once served as the public space for post office visitors; it now serves as a gallery for changing exhibits that may expand on historical themes, as well as showcase fine art installations or significant museum collections such as quilts and historical portraits. The adaptive reuse of the old post office building for museum exhibition offers unique and creative opportunities for displaying the museum’s collections within an architecturally stunning interior.
The new exhibits are permanent installations that make a significant contribution to learning about and understanding the county’s history which began in 1786 when Bourbon County was formed out of Fayette County and once spanned an area covering most of eastern and much of central Kentucky. Historical information included in the exhibits was rigorously researched, using reputable, accurate primary and secondary sources. The county is fortunate in having two excellent books by historian Hank Everman, many longtime residents with rich family histories, and well-preserved county records that curator Nancy O’Malley utilized in her compilation, organization and design of the exhibits. Former museum director Betsy Kephart employed her prodigious creative skills in fabrication and installation to produce a dynamic, visually arresting exhibit.
The history exhibit is intended for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. There is something for everyone, regardless of whether they are county natives, out of state visitors or transplants.
The museum is handicapped accessible via an outside ramp and has an elevator to access the main floor where the exhibits are located and the basement community room where events are held. The layout of the exhibit floor flows easily from one room to another and is wheelchair accessible. All bathrooms are handicapped accessible.
24th Annual Creative Harvest Art Exhibit
Talented artists of the region bring a multi-faceted exhibit of 2 and 3-D works to the walls of the Museum. This exhibit is in cooperation with Hopewell Creative Arts Guild. On display from August 1st through September 30th.
Exhibits
Bourbon County History Exhibit
Since its founding in 1995, the Hopewell Museum of Paris, Kentucky has fulfilled its mission of connecting people by “collecting, preserving, and sharing the history and culture of Paris, Bourbon County, and the region.” On February 23, 2024, Hopewell opened its most ambitious and extensive permanent history exhibit. The exhibit introduces the visitor to County history through the themes of Community, Commerce, Agriculture, Civil and other wars, Religion, Education and Politics. There is also a special exhibit devoted to Bourbon County Inventors.
Hopewell Museum is housed in a beautiful Beaux Arts building dating to 1911 that served as the Paris Post Office until 1965. The exhibit is installed in three main galleries that once served as the main workspace of the postal workers. Flanking this space is an L-shaped gallery that once served as the public space for post office visitors; it now serves as a gallery for changing exhibits that may expand on historical themes, as well as showcase fine art installations or significant museum collections such as quilts and historical portraits. The adaptive reuse of the old post office building for museum exhibition offers unique and creative opportunities for displaying the museum’s collections within an architecturally stunning interior.
The new exhibits are permanent installations that make a significant contribution to learning about and understanding the county’s history which began in 1786 when Bourbon County was formed out of Fayette County and once spanned an area covering most of eastern and much of central Kentucky. Historical information included in the exhibits was rigorously researched, using reputable, accurate primary and secondary sources. The county is fortunate in having two excellent books by historian Hank Everman, many longtime residents with rich family histories, and well-preserved county records that curator Nancy O’Malley utilized in her compilation, organization and design of the exhibits. Former museum director Betsy Kephart employed her prodigious creative skills in fabrication and installation to produce a dynamic, visually arresting exhibit.
The history exhibit is intended for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. There is something for everyone, regardless of whether they are county natives, out of state visitors or transplants.
The museum is handicapped accessible via an outside ramp and has an elevator to access the main floor where the exhibits are located and the basement community room where events are held. The layout of the exhibit floor flows easily from one room to another and is wheelchair accessible. All bathrooms are handicapped accessible.
24th Annual Creative Harvest Art Exhibit
Talented artists of the region bring a multi-faceted exhibit of 2 and 3-D works to the walls of the Museum. This exhibit is in cooperation with Hopewell Creative Arts Guild. On display from August 1st through September 30th.