We were heading home from a trip to Lexington and had time to kill. I had read here how impressed people were with this, so we stopped. We were both so glad we did. I can't speak for the Historic Bardstown Village, because it was hot and we didn't want to spend time outside. But we saw the other three and they were very interesting. The Civil War Museum was almost a mini version of the Gettysburg Museum. I liked how it was in chronological order, and the rest of the layout made it easy to follow without backtracking or being afraid you might miss something. Bardstown's very small, so I didn't expect something so professionally done. In a separate old building are the other two museums. I've been to a lot of Civil War sites and museums, and I've never seen anything like the Women of the Civil War Museum; I learned a lot. The Museum of Mid America represents all wars--not just the Civil War. I've always enjoyed visiting Bardstown--I think they've got another winning attraction. It's close to the Bluegrass Parkway and well worth a side trip.
Visited the museum which was quaint, walked up the hill to visit the rest of the museum (World War I, world war II, Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm. Nurses museum also.
If you like history, you must see this museum. It's rated #4 in the country. We learned alot here and enjoyed it. I recommend it to anybody interested in American Civil War History.
This place will take you back to the civil war with some great history. The museum is great, there is a lot of real history and authentic and real piece's of history.
First, this is a great museum, for civil war enthusiasts. I went in with a different expectation, expecting more local to the area exhibits as well. It was a general overview of the "Western Campaign", which is great, and covered it well. Seeing actual artifacts was interesting. Just disappointed that there was not anything featuring more local history.
The Civil War Museum was great. The museum detailed all the major battles of the war. The displays were laid out nicely with lots of artifacts. There were a handful of other museums close by that you could tour as well. The tickets were good for two days in case you couldn't see it all.
This museum was very small. There were no tour guides and most of the displays weren't very interesting. It could be so much more. Definitely would not recommend it - waste of money and time.
Excellent collection of memorabilia from the civil war with some displays from WWI,WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, and Desert Storm. Time well spent if you go there. Many aspects of the Civil War are presented showing the participation of women during the war. Lots of reading as it is a self guided tour.
A collection of interesting stuff but not heated in the winter. We about froze before we got out. They have acquired some exceptional items. Great collection of uniforms. Not a place for children because there's too much reading. We finally gave up ourselves. The Old Bardstown is pretty basic history but a lot of log cabins. Found the Women's Civil War exhibit interesting. The $10 ticket is for two days but who has two days as a tourist to spend in one museum.
We found this to be a well rounded museum. They had plenty of exhibits both inside and out. They have weapons, uniforms and period clothing. We spent about an hour and a half, but could have stayed longer if we had more time.