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Mountain Homeplace
Mountain Homeplace.jpg
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Established July 1995
Location 445 Kentucky Route 172, Staffordsville, Kentucky
Type Living history

The Mountain Homeplace is a special place in Staffordsville, Kentucky. It's like stepping back in time to the mid-1800s! This museum is located inside Paintsville Lake State Park. It shows what a farming community looked like and how people lived many years ago.

The museum officially opened its doors in July 1995. It's a great spot to learn about history in a fun, hands-on way.

What is the Mountain Homeplace?

The Mountain Homeplace is a "living history" museum. This means that instead of just looking at old things behind glass, you can see how people used to live and work. It's like a real village from the past!

Buildings from the Past

The museum has several old buildings that were moved here to keep them safe. These buildings were going to be covered by water when Paintsville Lake was created. So, in the early 1980s, they were carefully moved to their new home at the museum.

  • Blacksmith Shop: See where a blacksmith would make tools and fix metal items.
  • One-Room Schoolhouse: Imagine going to school with all ages in one room!
  • Church: A place for the community to gather.
  • Cabin: A simple home where a family would have lived.
  • Barn: Where farm animals were kept and crops stored.

These buildings help you understand daily life in the 1800s.

Learning Old Skills

When you visit, you'll often see tour guides and park workers dressed in old-fashioned clothes. They show you how people used to do things.

  • Forging Horseshoes: Watch a blacksmith at work, shaping metal with fire and hammers.
  • Quilting: See how beautiful blankets were made by hand.
  • Tending Farm Animals: Learn about the animals that were important for farming.

It's a chance to see history come alive!

Welcome Center and Amphitheater

The Mountain Homeplace also has a Welcome Center. This is where your visit usually begins.

Museum of Appalachian History

Inside the Welcome Center, you'll find the Museum of Appalachian History. This museum teaches you more about the history and culture of the Appalachian region, where Kentucky is located. It's full of interesting facts and exhibits.

Gift Shop

There's also a gift shop at the Welcome Center. Here, you can find unique arts and crafts made by local artists. It's a great place to pick up a souvenir from your visit.

In the Pines Amphitheater

Near the museum, you'll find the In the Pines Amphitheater. This outdoor theater was built in the early 2000s. It was designed to look like the ancient theaters from Ancient Greece.

  • Seating: It can hold about 700 people.
  • Events: The amphitheater is open all year. It hosts different events, including the annual Red Bud Gospel Sing.

It's a beautiful spot for performances and gatherings.

Visiting the Museum

The Mountain Homeplace is open for visitors from April 1st through December 20th each year. It's a wonderful place to explore and learn about the past.

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