Welcome to the Cynthiana Harrison County Museum!
The Cynthiana Harrison County Museum first opened its doors in July 1994. Housed in the historic Rohs Movie Theatre on S. Walnut St. the museum is a step back in time displaying nearly 3000 artifacts showcasing the community’s Military, Education, and Agricultural Histories. Rooms are also devoted to items from childhood, daily life, local industry, and the town’s churches, police and fire departments.
Our museum exists to preserve, display, maintain and share artifacts of historical significance. It provides a “snapshot” into the past. The Cynthiana Harrison County Trust Inc. established the museum to provide a place where the tangible history of this small town Kentucky community could reside.
Our museum is currently following CDC Guidelines for Covid-19 Safety. Masks are required and social distancing is observed for the benefit of our visitors and staff.
Museum Hours
The Great Museum Treasure Hunt!
Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm
or by Appointment - Call 859-234-7179
124 South Walnut Street Cynthiana, Kentucky
4000 Sq. Ft. of Display Space Showcasing Over 3500 Artifacts!
This is a Mortician's "Cooling Table" and was used by undertakers for preparing bodies for burial. It was also used by field doctors during the Civil War for emergency amputations. The 'bed of the table is perforated with holes for the drainage of body fluids.
Our Museum's tool section is filled with hand hewn tools and implements used by local farmers, machinists, carpenters, and those of other professions. Come see how the tools from the past were made and used.
One of the Museum's prized artifacts are the more than 100 letters sent by Harrison county resident William Jones to his wife Mary while he was fighting for the Union during the Civil War. The hand written letters dated from 1864 have been transcribed into a binder and are available for reading. The letters discuss everything from his episodes on the battlefield to the loss of friends, and the love for his wife. A real treasure.
New Acquisitions
We are always receiving new artifacts in the museum. Here are a few recent acquisitions and newly displayed items.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Equipment used in the 1950s at the Ladish Company for Chemical Response.
A Masonic Apron (with leather case) which belonged to Cynthiana attorney Hanson L Peterscott (1869-1945).
Horse History
Cynthiana/Harrison County has had a rich horse racing history. Abdallah Park was a county race track which saw many stakes run. From Harrison Chief, to Abdallah, to the latest Ky Derby winner Authentic we share in Kentucky's horse pride.
Framed photos of some of our famed horses "Harrison Chief", "Abdallah", and photos of Abdallah Park Race Track!
Framed Portrait of Richard H. Wills (1851-1939)
R.H. Wills was the last owner of the Handy Farm to actually live in the Handy House. He was a local business man who owned the R.H. Wills and son Livery Stable. He was an avid horseman.
Measuring Walking Cane of R.H. Wills (see portrait)
This cane was used to measure horses in "Hands". The knob pulls out revealing the measuring instrument. It came from Ireland in 1885. Also included are photos of Mr. Wills riding some of this famed trotting horses.