Kentucky General Assembly to convene in historic Old State Capitol
News Releases are provided by the LRC Public Information Office. All photos are attributed to LRC Staff.
Kentucky General Assembly to convene in historic Old State Capitol February 5, 2025
A photo of the Old State Capitol is available here The photo is provided courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky General Assembly will celebrate the rich history of the legislature next week by convening for a day in the Old State Capitol building in downtown Frankfort.
The Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives will gavel into session at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, inside the building’s historic chambers. The Old Capitol, located at 300 W. Broadway St., is a National Historic Landmark that served as the center of state government from 1830 to 1910.
“Kentucky has a rich and storied history. I always enjoy visiting the Old Capitol and reflecting on the influential figures who helped shape the Commonwealth we call home today,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “As we honor those who came before us, we also celebrate their legacy and the heritage of ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’”
House Speaker David W. Osborne, R-Prospect, added, “Our historic Old State Capitol witnessed several critical chapters in Kentucky’s history and today serves as a reminder that our Commonwealth has overcome great challenges and emerged stronger than ever. Lawmakers have stood within the walls of the House and Senate and debated the merits of suffrage, secession, and the adoption of two state constitutions. Our visit underscores the General Assembly’s enduring commitment to enacting legislation that reflects our state’s evolving needs, while preserving the values of our citizens, essentially shaping the course of our shared history and future.”
Kentuckians can view the proceedings via livestream on Kentucky Educational Television’s website at www.ket.org/legislature Proceedings will also be broadcast on KET KY, the Kentucky Channel.
Credentialed media will be admitted into the Old Capitol chambers as space permits. Interested media should contact Laura Leigh Goins at [email protected] about space availability in the House and Angela Billings at [email protected] about space availability in the Senate.
Both the House and Senate plan to adjourn for the day at the Old Capitol and will not return to the present-day Capitol for proceedings on the floors.
The Old State Capitol, completed in 1830 and used until 1910, is a vital part of Kentucky’s history as a center of significant legislative activity and an architectural gem.
As the third of four capitol buildings in the state, the Old State Capitol is a symbol of Kentucky’s democratic values and civic pride. Designed in the Greek Revival style, the building embodies the ideals of democracy and serves as a lasting reminder of the state’s early years and political evolution.
Beyond its role as the seat of government, the Old State Capitol is where some of Kentucky’s most influential leaders debated and made decisions on issues that defined the nation’s future. Topics such as slavery, secession, women’s rights and civil rights were central to discussions that shaped Kentucky’s trajectory during a period of profound political and social change.
Now a National Historic Landmark, the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) manages the Old State Capitol. In addition to preserving the building’s architectural significance, KHS is committed to transforming it into a hub for civics education.
KHS offers a variety of programs, exhibits and tours designed to engage visitors and students with Kentucky’s early political history. By exploring the key decisions and debates that took place in this historic space, KHS fosters reflection on how those choices continue to shape the state and its people today.
More information about the Old State Capitol is available on the Kentucky Historical Society website.
News Releases are provided by the LRC Public Information Office. All photos are attributed to LRC Staff.
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/publicservices/pio/release.html#OldCap020525
