Historical Hidden Treasures of Kentucky

By Rachel Ellen Simon

U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In the mid-20th century, an eastern Kentucky saying put a new spin on the “three Rs” – “readin’, writin’, and Route 23.” With the post-war decline of coal, millions of Appalachians sought work in cities north along U.S. Hwy. 23. This “Hillbilly Highway” also connected area musicians to national prominence. Today, the Country Music Highway Museum honors the many musicians who were born or lived along this route. Visitors can view memorabilia from the likes of Dwight Yoakam and Loretta Lynn, or catch live music sessions at “Front Porch Pickin’.”

Open year-round. Museum: adults $4, students $3, front porch pickers $1.

More info: Located in Paintsville, Ky. Visit: us23countrymusichwymuseum.com

Magoffin County Pioneer Village

Photo by Sydney Poore

Intent on “preserving our past for our future,” the Magoffin County Historical Society runs Pioneer Village, which features 19 log cabins from the early 1800s. Check out 19th-century craft demos or the Society’s genealogical collection.

Open year-round. Call ahead: adults $2.50, children (under 12) $1.25.

More info: Located in Saylersville, Ky. Visit: rootsweb.ancestry.com/~kymhs