History Buffs

Loretto Motherhouse

There are riches buried in these Marion County, Kentucky hills. Take, for instance, the Loretto Heritage Center, and its archives. Visitors may tour the Heritage Center, a world-class museum where the richness and heritage of the Sisters of Loretto are on full display. And visitors can access the archives, a carefully preserved collection of artifacts dating to frontier Kentucky. Don’t underestimate either one!

The Loretto Heritage Center is made up of two complementary halves, the archives, and the museum. The archives preserves Loretto history’s primary source documents from which the museum’s exhibit narratives were developed. And the museum, in turn, serves as the publicly accessible face of the Heritage Center.

Additionally, the Loretto Community has been a steward of its 788-acres since 1824. Driven by the Loretto Community Land Ethic, the acres include a working farm, woods, wildflower fields in conservation, and a Timber Stand Improvement Program.

Research topics can include things like:

• Genealogy research for family members of Sisters of Loretto.
• Early pioneer schools the Sisters of Loretto founded and staffed across the United States.
• Transitions in Catholic sister life following the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.

Hours

Regular hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m. – Noon, and 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday/Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Winter hours (December-February):
Tuesday-Friday: 11 a.m. – Noon, and 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday/Sunday: by appointment

Holidays:
The Museum is closed New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, July 4, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

There is no charge for admission to the center, although visitors are welcome to make a donation. The center is wheelchair-accessible. For large groups, or for group tour arrangements it’s recommended you call the center’s director, Eleanor Craig, at (270) 865-5811, extension 3151.

Address: 515 Nerinx Rd, Nerinx, KY 40049

Lebanon National Cemetery

Lebanon National Cemetery is 15-acres of natural beauty and reverence. Located at 20 Highway 208, and just outside Lebanon, the Heart of Kentucky, it dates to the Civil War (soldiers who died in the Battle of Perryville are interred here) and remains active.

Official records indicate the U.S. government first obtained the land for the cemetery in 1862, but it was not designated a national cemetery until 1867. The original interments were the scattered remains of Union soldiers from Lebanon and the surrounding countryside. There were 865 total original interments including 281 unknowns. The original triangular tract is bounded by a stonewall and it contains an 1870s lodge occupied by the superintendent and the remains of a rostrum.

Lebanon National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is one of only seven national cemeteries in the state of Kentucky, and one of only 134 national cemeteries across the country. Its hallowed grounds are the final resting place for more than 5,600 veterans. 

In 1984, a donation of 3.4 acres brought the cemetery to 5.8 acres. An additional donation of 9 acres brought the cemetery to its current size. The cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Approximately 10,000 people visit the Lebanon National Cemetery annually from all over the world. Every single day, people come to the cemetery, even during inclement weather.  Strolling the grounds can be a highly emotional experience. 

The Lebanon Nation Cemetery is open to visitors seven days a week from sunrise to sunset and plenty of parking is available.

Address: 20 State Hwy 208, Lebanon, KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-3390
Listing on cem.va.org