Kenton Rotary Hosts Barb Wingfield Who Spoke About The Hardin County Historical Museums

Kenton Rotary hosted Barb Wingfield. Barb spoke to the club about the Hardin County Historical Museums. She shared some interesting pictures and item owned or on loan to the museum.

The museum was founded in 1967 dealing with archeology and historical items.  The museum has two locations, the the Sullivan House and the farm located beside the fairgrounds.  The farm consists of 11 acres with a one room schoolhouse, barn, and a general store.

As the museum is 501-3-C organization they exist on donations, grants, and memberships.  Three items of the collection that museum are most proud of are Jacob Parrott’s Congressional Medal of Honor of, the paintings of Fred Machetanz and the collection of Kenton Toys.  Kenton Toy Mfg. made around 7,000 different toys at the Kenton plant during its existence.

Barb shared with us that in August of 1938 Gene Autry came to Kenton to support the toy factories making of the guns.  History note, he was the first celebrity to allow endorsement of a product with his name on the cap guns.

The museums annual budget is around $55,000 to $60,000.  They have a board that oversees all the operations and finances.  Barb shared flyers on upcoming events.  If you would like more information about the museum or would like to know what exciting programs are coming up at the museum please visit: https://www.facebook.com/HardinCoMuseums/