The Kentucky Files is a collection of newspaper and magazine articles, and other assorted materials about Kentucky-related subjects, including Kentucky biography.
The collection is divided into two sections:
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Kentucky Topics contains information on a wide variety of subjects including places, events, issues and trivia.
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Kentucky Biography contains information on the lives of Kentuckians, past and present, including historical figures, politicians, artists and performers, literary figures; the famous and the infamous.
Please contact the State Library Reference Desk for assistance with locating topics in this collection. You can reach the Reference Desk through the
Ask a Librarian service or by phone at 502.564.8306 or 800.928.7000.
The Kentucky Files may be examined at the State Library during
normal business hours.
Examples from the Kentucky Files:
Miss America "firsts"
Ashland native Venus Ramey was crowned Miss America in 1944. With her singing, dancing and comedic talents, she became the first redheaded Miss America. Venus was also the first Miss America to be photographed in color. In 1947 she returned home where she ran for a seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives, making her the first Miss America to run for public office.
William Whitley House
The first brick house erected west of the Allegheny Mountains is the William Whitley House near Stanford. This state historic site is located on a part of the Wilderness Trail. Colonel William Whitley was a noted scout and Indian fighter and his initials "W.W." are worked into the brick over the front door.