Grayson County, KY Historical Society

08/28/2026

An important message concerning Jack Thomas House operations for September…

08/25/2026

Join us if you dare for a haunted Halloween stroll! 🧟 On Saturday, October 17th at 5:30 pm we will meet in front of the Jack Thomas House and take a twilight walk through downtown Leitchfield sharing some of the ghoulish tales and legends that have been handed down over the decades from Grayson County’s haunted past. Along the stroll through town we will also visit three older cemeteries and share the histories of some of our ancestors buried there. Make plans to join us for this evening of history and mystery. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online by scanning the QR code below or by visiting the Jack Thomas House during regular business hours. The tour is limited to the first 25 people so be sure to register today! The deadline to register is September 25th. 🎃👻

08/20/2026

Want to learn about President Abraham Lincoln’s Grayson County cousin Old Mord the “Woman Hater,” the Confederates burning of the First Courthouse, the meaning of name “Big 7” and the store’s infamous elevator accident, the Kentucky Supreme Court case that involved a local business, the origin of O’Reilly’s Irish Row, the many uses of the old Opera House, the day a portion of the Square exploded, who Jack Thomas was, and much more? Then join us on Sunday, October 11th at 2:00 pm for our annual FREE Fall Walking Tour around the Leitchfield Public Square. In the event of rain, the Walking Tour will be moved to Sunday, October 18th at 2:00 pm. So mark your calendars and make plans to join us!

08/17/2026

Mark your calendars and make plans to join us! We will host our first annual Book Fair at the Centre on Main in Leitchfield on Saturday, October 17th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. Fellow historical societies, genealogical groups, authors, and others are invited to register a table to sell your items, network with other local history buffs, and interact with the public. The cost to register is $20 per table. Registration forms can be printed off of our website or picked up at the Jack Thomas House. There is no admission fee and the public is welcome to attend!

Website: graysoncountykyhistory.com

07/24/2026

07/20/2026

Introducing our newest Historical Society publication for sale! Check out our “Picture the Past: Scenes from Grayson County, KY” coloring book! The book contains twenty-four historical sketches drawn by talented local artist Kaili Logsdon, whom the Historical Society partnered with last year. The new coloring books also contain a short description about each of the sketches, along with a bio of the artist herself. Pictured below are a few of the sketches from the book, which can be purchased for only $5.00 each plus tax during regular office hours at the Jack Thomas House and soon through the online store on our website! You can also purchase individual copies of each of Kaili’s sketches at the Jack Thomas House for only $11.50 each plus tax. Half of the proceeds from the coloring books and sketches go to support Kaili and her artistic endeavors.

07/18/2026

Oliver from Mt Sterling, Ky found a cool spot next to the Buchanan Log Cabin behind the Jack Thomas House to practice his fiddle. Sounds great!

07/18/2026

Be sure to stop by and see us today during the Fiddlin’ Fest. We are open for free tours from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

07/17/2026

Scholarship Spotlight: Lila Riggs

Introducing Lila Riggs of Clarkson, the 2026 recipient of the $500 Nancy & Ken Robinson Scholarship sponsored by the Grayson County Historical Society. Lila’s essay was one of seven submitted this year for consideration. Applicants were offered a choice of two topics for the essay: write about a prominent Kentuckian during the Revolutionary Era or, in honor of the Historical Society’s 50th anniversary, describe how life in Grayson County in 2026 compared to that in 1976. Lila wrote an informative essay chronicling the life of one of Kentucky’s firs pioneer women Rebecca Boone, wife of famous frontiersmen Daniel Boone. Historical Society board members Bill Clemons and Shannon Harp recognized Lila at the Grayson County High School Senior Awards Night in May and board President Scotty Gore presented her with the scholarship check at the Historical Society’s Heritage Day event back on June 20th.

Here is a little about Lila in her own words:
My name is Lila Riggs, and I am the middle of five children. One of the greatest blessings in my life has been watching my parents build our family farm little by little. While raising five children, they developed a small cattle and crop operation, and being part of that journey has shaped the person I am today. Growing up on the farm taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork. All
qualities that continue to guide me in everything I do. Throughout high school, I have pursued my passion for agriculture through numerous agriculture courses and active involvement in FFA, where I have developed leadership skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the agricultural industry. I have also been involved in FCCLA and served as a charter member and treasurer of the National English Honor Society. Through these organizations, I have had the
opportunity to serve my community by volunteering with the Grayson County Alliance, the Leitchfield Woman’s Club, and Crusade for Children. Additionally, I have challenged myself academically through honors, dual-credit, and Advanced Placement courses, preparing me for the rigor of college and future career opportunities. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. My goal is to combine my agricultural background with business knowledge to support and strengthen farming operations like my family’s. To me, agriculture is more than an industry; it is a way of life built on dedication, resilience, and stewardship.

Congratulations Lila and we wish you well in your career endeavors!!

07/05/2026

Come see us this Christmas….it will be here before you know it!