Frankfort, KY - Sara Elliott has joined the Kentucky Historical Society as a senior-level curator. She began her position on June 18, 2007. Her responsibilities include working with the curatorial staff in building KHS collections and broadening their interpretation through innovative exhibitions and programs. In addition to being responsible for the care and preservation of the Old State Capitol and the portraits in the Toyota Kentucky Hall of Governors, Elliott will help develop ways of telling engaging stories associated with the Old State Capitol and the political leaders who occupied it.
Elliott previously served as the executive director of Liberty Hall Historic Site in Frankfort. There, she managed all aspects of the site from maintenance and preservation of the buildings and collections to fund-raising and development to program development and special-event planning.
"We are thrilled that Sara Elliott has chosen to bring her considerable talent and vast experience to the Kentucky Historical Society," said Kent Whitworth, executive director of KHS. "She is distinctively qualified to provide leadership as we continue to understand, cherish, and share Kentucky's history. She will be instrumental as we steer the course for the future of the Kentucky Historical Society."
A member of the American Association for State and Local History, Elliot serves on the Historic House Museum Committee. She is also a constituent of the Southeastern Museums Conference and is past member of the SEMC Council and Program Committee. Elliott has also assisted these organizations as moderator and panelist for various events.
Elliot was a recipient of the Frank R. Levstik Award for Professional Service presented by the Historic Confederation of Kentucky in March 2001. She has also contributed to publications for The Kentucky Encyclopedia and a review for New Directions in Rural Preservation. She received her undergraduate degree in history from The University of Kentucky. Her master's degree is in Folk Studies from Western Kentucky University.
-30-
An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, the Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present, and inspiration for the future. KHS operates the Old State Capitol, the Kentucky Military History Museum, and its headquarters, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. Since 1999, the thirty-million- dollar Center has welcomed more than one million visitors. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit our Web site.