Regional History
Heading West... or Settling Here?
At the time of the Revolutionary War, the Ohio River was the main pathway open from the original thirteen colonies to the western frontier. A major stop after Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh) was Limestone, a small port on the south bank of the river where settlers could unload their flatboats and escape the Indian threat to the north by proceeding inland.
Led by men like Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone, many pioneers continued west, but others stayed in Limestone—which they officially renamed Maysville in 1833. But whether they stayed in the area or passed through, each contributed to our history. It is this rich legacy that we share through our fine collection of dioramas, artifacts and art.
The Power of Ordinary Things
As historian David McCullough puts it, “history is who we are and why we are the way we are.” From quilts to clothing, from weapons to movie posters, nothing brings history to life like the everyday things our ancestors actually used. When we hold these things in our hands, or see them up close, we touch the lives of those who have gone before. These artifacts tell stories of courage, creativity, and celebrity.
Miniatures Exhibit
There are a very few places in the world where visitors can enjoy a large collection of miniature buildings, rooms and artifacts: Chicago’s Art Institute, London, and now, Maysville.
A New Way to Look at the World
We invite you to journey through this unrivalled collection of thousands of 1/12 scale miniatures, each selected or commissioned by Maysville native Kaye Browning. The Kathleen Savage Browning Miniatures Collection is housed in our 3,200-square-foot exhibit hall and features hundreds of limited-edition or one-of-a-kind homes, room boxes, vignettes, and individual works of art that captured Kaye’s heart either for their charming stories or their historical significance.
Wander Upstairs and Downstairs
From glorious mansions to small apartments, our miniature homes offer a glimpse of how people lived in different times and different cultures. Each one captures the essence of life, whether it was lived in the distant past, in some faraway place, or in the here-and now.
Absorb the Amazing Details
Incredible artistry and craftsmanship turn each of our miniatures into a true marvel. Some were made by world-famous miniaturists, while others were lovingly handcrafted by anonymous artisans, but all invite you to appreciate the details of life—past, present or imaginary—from a powerful, new perspective. Visit again and again to see how the collection changes with the seasons.
Art Collection
Our gallery strikes a unique balance between history and fine art, depicting our rich heritage and beautiful countryside as interpreted by a remarkable group of painters, watercolorists, and craftsmen.
The paintings in our gallery are the work of acclaimed artists ranging from the Irish master William Craig to Maysville’s own Aaron Corwine, a brilliant portrait painter whose career was cut tragically short by tuberculosis. Of course, Kentucky’s most famous artist, Paul Sawyier, is represented, and the collection includes several of his watercolors.
The gallery contains some surprises, too, including primitive oils from the brush of Mason County native Mary Bruce Sharon, a Kentucky "Grandma Moses" with family ties to Mason County, and a lithograph by the legendary French artist Jean Francois Millet and the Swiss engraver of America Indian portraits, Karl Bodmer.
In addition to these artworks, you’ll also find a rare collection of furniture and furnishings that highlight the contributions our region has made to the world’s store of beautiful things.
Research Library
Look Into the Past, Present... and the Future
If you want to know about anyone or anything in the seven-county region surrounding Maysville, the Genealogical & Historical Research Library at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center is the place to start. From birth, marriage, deed or death records to city directories, diaries, tax lists, historical papers, business ledgers, and maps, our extraordinary collection sheds light on countless stories of the past 250 years. We welcome experienced or novice researchers alike, and we can help you in person, by phone or online.
Find Information Easily
We are an excellent resource for authors, teachers, students, university faculty, business and home owners, and other museums. Our software makes all of our collection immediately accessible. Internet computers are available, or you may use your own laptop. There are fees associated with library services, so if you’re doing extensive research, a Kentucky Gateway Museum Center Membership can offer considerable savings.
Your Family... and Your Country
Our records might help you find family gravesites, missing relatives and property owned by past generations, but they also bring to life Maysville’s pivotal role in American history.
Whatever your interests, you’ll find the answers to your questions at the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center.
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