Barns have been an important part of the Oldham County landscape since the county was founded. Artist Ann Carter has spent her retirement years in Oldham County painting barns that were once the assets of an agricultural community.  Raised in Iowa , Carter grew-up in an agrarian culture and realized the importance of barns in stories and daily farm life.  In painting the local barns of Oldham County Ann also records as much of the barn's history from present owners or local old-timers that remember its use. 

Oldham County was one of the leading dairy counties in Kentucky up until the 1950s and was also known as the Orchard Grass capital of the world.  In addition, the thoroughbred horse industry is still a very vital part of Oldham County 's business and culture.  Over the years barns have served various functions ranging from milk parlors, horse stables, dog kennels, advertisements, tobacco curing, hay and grain storage,  moonshine making,  ham curing, cattle and hog shelters, woodworking shops, and square dances. 

The exhibit will feature Carter's paintings as well as barn memorabilia and information on the agricultural industry of Oldham County .  The exhibit will run from January 16, to April 15, 2007.  All activities take place at the history center grounds. Special events and dinner/lectures have been planned for the exhibit as follows:

January 16, 2007    8 a.m . to 9 a.m.:  Farm Breakfast:  $3 history center members/$5 non-members, no reservations necessary, pay at door

January 17, 2007, Wednesday, 6 p.m.: History Center After Hours Program  "A Barn as a Slave Pen: Deconstruction and Reconstruction of the Slave Pen Barn of Mason County" Lecture by Northern Kentucky University Archaeologist, Jeannine Krinebrink, includes heavy appetizers and Cash Bar,  catered by the Irish Rover, Too,at the Oldham County History Center,  $13 members/$15 non-members  Reservations only:  502-222-0826

March 15, 2007, Thursday, 6 p.m.: History Center After Hours Program " Barns of Oldham County Slide Presentation" by Glenn Yost.  This lecture features Creasey-Mahan Director Glenn Yost's collection that he has made over the years including his career when he was the local county extension agent,  lecture includes Appetizers and Cash Bar catered by the Irish Rover, Too at the Oldham County History Center, $13 members/$15 non-members, Reservations only,  502-222-0826

March 30 & 31, 2007 :  Barnyard Adventures!  A weekend of activities that includes farm activities- Meet Kentucky Kate, live size mechanical cow,  pet live farm animals participate in hands-on activities ranging from gardening, butter and ice cream making, corn-schucking and other related barnyard activities.  Don't miss this fun-filled weekend- free admission, Friday 10 until 8, Saturday 10 to 4 p.m.