For nearly 60 years, KET has been sharing stories about our Commonwealth – its people, history and culture. But long before the advent of television, early Kentuckians recognized the significance of the history they were creating and the need to preserve it. The Kentucky Historical Society was established in 1836 to collect stories and artifacts from around the state. Today, both organizations strive to capture Kentucky’s history and make it accessible to the public.

“We have a long history of working with KET,” says Scott Alvey, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society. For Alvey, KET has been a dependable partner when it comes to accessibility and public impact because KET serves all of Kentucky, not just the major cities. He notes, “There is a wealth of history that exists in some of the larger cities, but there’s also that same wealth of history that exists within all of our local and small communities, and their stories need to be heard too.”

The value that KET and KHS bring together as statewide organizations is about building community trust and a community story together.

Scott Alvey

When KHS began planning America250 celebrations, they wanted to collaborate with other state agencies who are telling Kentucky’s stories. “And a natural partner for that was KET,” Alvey notes. Through initiatives like the Kentucky Origins video series and The American Revolution screening events, KET’s partnership with KHS advances their shared mission of educating and engaging the public.

“One of the greatest opportunities of our partnership with KET was we have this shared opportunity to be a statewide voice for Kentucky history,” Alvey says. “But you only get that when you become a trusted source for people to listen to.”

Alvey says KET is trusted around the Commonwealth because they are in communities, helping a diverse audience tell their stories with faith that an accurate story will be documented and provided to the public. “The value that KET and KHS bring together as statewide organizations is about building community trust and a community story together.”

This year, it has been especially important for KET and KHS to bring history to Kentucky’s communities. As the nation celebrates 250 years, people can rely on KET to document our past and present. “We are looking forward to July 4, 2026, which will be our culminating event here in Frankfort, to look at 250 years of the history of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” says Alvey. “And we are glad to have had KET along through that whole partnership.”