Serving Life: The Kentucky State Reformatory

An Exhibit: March 15-August 15

On March 15, 2008 the Oldham County History Center will open a new exhibit: “Serving Life: The Kentucky State Reformatory”. This exhibit will explore the various aspects of KSR and its impact on the community including a timeline, prison crafts, examples of contraband, the effect of the consent decree laws, the life of an inmate today, prison industries, work of a prison guard including security of inmates and the community, services and contributions that KSR provides Oldham County. There will also be a good deeds section that includes ways that inmates give back to the community through prison sponsored clubs.

The Kentucky State Reformatory has been an important part of Oldham County’s history since its dedication on Oct. 9, 1939. The concept of the Kentucky State Reformatory was made possible through funds from the 1936 General Assembly and matching funds from the Public Works Administration, a total of $1.5 million. The gothic architecture is a landmark in the county and contains 2 corner stones, which credits Governor Happy Chandler and his Commission and the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt for making KSR possible.

The history center is currently collecting artifacts from the community and local citizens who would like to loan or donate items from KSR for the exhibit. Items may include inmate crafts such a leather goods or wood products that use to be sold to the public in the 1950s and 60s, script, uniforms, etc. Anyone who would like to donate or loan items to the exhibit please contact the history center at 502-222-0826.