South Central Kentucky Cultural Center
Located one block from downtown Glasgow, the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center is dedicated to telling the story of the people, places and events that make up the geographic area of Kentucky known as the “Barrens”—Metcalfe, Allen, Hart and Monroe Counties, as well as Barren County. If history is of interest to you, this is the place to visit!
Located in the former 1920’s Kentucky Pants factory, the 30,000 square foot center currently has quality exhibits spanning three floors. The first floor features a display that represents south central Kentucky from 12,000 BC to frontier days. Items include stone and bone tools, knives, and Native American exhibits from other historic periods.
Visitors can also learn about living in the 1800’s. These exhibits include a sewing machine from 1854, quilts, wooden washboard, lye soap, and yoke along with a log cabin, smokehouse, farming tools and equipment.
The second floor features an extensive military collection with items from the Civil War through Desert Storm. In addition, there is a model of Glasgow’s town square that includes businesses from the 19thth century such as a post office, bank, doctor’s office, telephone switchboard, dry goods shop, undertaker’s business and other displays.
Visitors can explore the genealogical research room, which consists of family history books, census records, cemetery records, marriage records and more. The third floor features eighty+ years of newspapers from the south central area of Kentucky.
Displays at the Center undergo change and are managed by volunteers who work under the direction of Gayle Berry, the director of the Center.
Admission is free. Scheduled group tours are available. The Center is handicapped accessible. Hours: M-F, 9am-4pm; Sat. 9am-2pm; Closed on Sunday.
Historic Attractions
Munford-Crenshaw Cemetery
Revolutionary War Era
Located on North Franklin Street near the end of East Front Street, this is one of Glasgow’s older cemeteries. Many Revolutionary soldiers are buried here. The cemetery is maintained by the Edmund Rodgers Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The cemetery in enclosed by a fence and is in excellent condition.
Veterans Wall of Honor
The Veterans Wall of Honor is a unique monument to honor all citizens, living and deceased, of Glasgow and Barren County who served this country in the Armed Forces. The Wall, located in the Beulah C. Nunn Park on the west corner of the South Public Square in Glasgow, provides a powerful reminder of Barren County’s rich military history. The park provides a quiet place to reflect on the men and women who fought for our country and the honor and courage they exemplified. Applications for adding a name to the Wall of Honor are available at Glasgow City Hall or the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce in downtown Glasgow.
In Barren County, Veterans Memorials are also located in the communities of Park City, Hiseville and Freedom, on the grounds of historic Freedom School.
Places to Visit
Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese
Want to discover the quality and taste of authentic artisanal cheeses, hand-crafted with only the freshest milk, all natural ingredients and precious time? Then you must visit Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese in Austin, Kentucky.
These handmade cheeses, based on the quality ingredients and methods of the old world European cheese makers, are made on a 200-acre dairy farm in southeastern Barren County. Types of cheeses offered include Asiago, Awe-Brie, Barren Co. Bleu, Cheddar, Colby, Gouda, Havarti, Kentucky Bleu, Kentucky Rose, Monterey Jack, Norwood, St. Jerome, Swiss, and Tomme De Nena.
The cheeses can be purchased at the dairy farm and you can sample your favorites when you visit. Customized gift boxes and baskets are available by order. Kenny’s Cheese is a Kentucky Proud product and can also be purchased at a number of locations in the community and at specialty markets across the state.
Guided tours are available. You must call ahead to see the cheese-making process and you are welcome to take a walk around the farm and visit the calves.
To schedule a tour, please call 888-571-4029 or 270-434-3879. Operating hours are M-F, 9am-3pm; Sat. 9am-1pm; closed on Sunday.
Historic Diamond Caverns
For over 155 years Historic Diamond Caverns has offered tours of Kentucky’s most beautiful cave. Presented by state-of-the-art lighting, Diamond Caverns features intricate drapery deposits lining the halls in cascades of naturally colorful calcite. Thousands of formations decorate the cathedral-like chambers. Discover the beauty of Diamond Caverns with your family today.
Located adjacent to Mammoth Cave National Park, a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Diamond Caverns abounds in natural beauty.