The South Central Kentucky Cultural Center (SCKCC) is located in the 1929 Kentucky Pants Factory building in the heart of Glasgow, Kentucky, at 200 W. Water Street. It holds the treasured heritage of the geographic region known as “The Barrens” (Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, Monroe and Allen counties) within its collections of newspapers, letters, scrapbooks, documents, photographs, genealogy resources, and 50 first-class exhibits depicting life in the Barrens. People of all ages, from around the United States and even some foreign countries visit and are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exhibits that invite the visitor to step into the past. Visitors can see what life was like for the average person of the Barrens from the time of prehistoric Americans to modern life of the 1960s, including the struggles and contributions of African Americans in the Barrens. Artifacts used by our ancestors and given to the museum by their descendants, who have carefully saved community heritage for many years, help the visitor glimpse what life was like for early settlers living in a log cabin. Other attractions include an extensive military exhibit, a one-room schoolhouse, a 1940’s kitchen, a general store, a doctor’s office, a telephone exchange, an undertaker, a service station, a Kids Corner, and more.
While admission to the museum is free, donations are vital in helping the museum create temporary and permanent exhibits. Visit the Museum Gift Shop where you can purchase a souvenir of your visit or books of local history for the genealogist in your family. Stop by the Cultural Center’s Art and Antiques Gallery where you will find an antique mall and art gallery including works of local artists selling to the public to benefit the museum. Check out our Facebook and web pages to learn about history and cultural programs that the museum hosts throughout the year.
On September 20 and 21, the SCKCC will present the 10th Annual Harvest of History cemetery tour. Each year, the tour highlights different historical figures from “The Barrens.” Talented re-enactors dressed in period costumes “become” their historic character, entertaining, teaching, and inspiring while sharing their unique life story. Plan to attend and steal a glimpse into the past.
The Cultural Center offers tickets at a reduced rate to students from grades 3 through 12. Teachers, this is a good opportunity to offer extra credit to students who attend the Harvest of History; and students, this is a perfect time to be entertained while you learn about your local history. This year the funds raised will be used to help construct exhibit space on the third floor of the museum.
The purpose of the Harvest of History program is to share and preserve local history, honor the historical figures by telling their stories, and illustrate that everyone’s life impacts the community and each person’s life has a significant story to tell.
This year the historic characters portrayed include Willa Brown Chappell who was the first African American woman to become a pilot and airplane mechanic and who trained many of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen during the WWII era. She will be portrayed by Latoya Drake. Ervin G. Houchens, originator of Houchens Stores,will be portrayed by Glasgow’s Mayor Armstrong. Durwood Haynes played the organ at a local movie theatre during the silent movie era, and he also played at local churches and gave music lessons. He will be portrayed by his son, Jim Haynes. Annie Moss Steen Strader of Strader’s Dairy in Hiseville will be portrayed by Sonya Hamrick. Mrs. Jennie Jean Jones was an early librarian in Glasgow who will be portrayed by Mollie C. Nichols. Simon Settles, an early maker of the legendary Settles Rifle, will be portrayed by descendant Wade Lewis.
Harvest of History tickets are $15 each for adults and $7 each for students in grades 3-12. Tickets are available at the Cultural Center. All tours begin at the SCKCC. Transportation is provided to and from the cemetery. Tours begin at 6 p.m. and take about one hour. The last tour departs from the Cultural Center at 8 p.m. In the event of rain, Harvest of History will be presented in the SCKCC.
Come join us for a memorable evening of history and entertainment!
Coming Events
South Central Kentucky Cultural Center
200 West Water Street, Glasgow, Kentucky 42141
270-651-9792
Saturday, September 7 – DAR Edmund Rogers Chapter will present Kentucky Chautauqua program: “Madeline McDowell Breckinridge – Votes for Women” by Kelly Brengelman in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Suffrage Amendment, giving women the right to vote.
Friday & Saturday, September 20 & 21 – 10th Annual Harvest of History
Willa B. Brown – Aviator of WWII era portrayed by Latoya Drake
Annie Moss Steen Strader – Of Strader’s Dairy, HIseville, portrayed by Sonya Hamrick
Simon/William Settles – Settles Rifle gunsmith – portrayed by Wade Lewis
Durwood Haynes – Organist at Trigg Theatre during silent movies, organist at FirstChristian Church – portrayed by Jim Haynes
Ervin Houchens – Originator of Houchens Grocery Stores – portrayed by Mayor Armstrong
Jennie Jean Jones – Early Glasgow librarian – portrayed by Mollie Nichols
Thursday, October 24, 6 p.m.
Tommy Jackson will present “7 Generals of Barren County, Kentucky.” Hosted by the Cultural Center and the Barren County Historical Society.
Monday, November 11
Veterans Day Reception after the parade.
