Historic Contexts

A historic context is a narrative that includes information based on a cultural theme, specific chronological period and defined geographic area. It describes broad patterns of community development – considering history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture, and identifies specific resource types such as buildings, structures, sites, objects and/or districts that represent those patterns of development.

A cultural theme is considered significant if it can be demonstrated, through scholarly research, to be important to the development of a community. Examples of cultural themes include agriculture, commerce, education, community settlement, ethnic heritage, industry, military activity, religion, politics/government, social history and transportation.

A historic context may be represented by a variety of significant property types. For example, the context "The Timber Boom in Eastern Kentucky, 1890-1920" could include such diverse historic property types as sawmills, logging camp sites, workers housing, schools, social halls, churches, general stores and railroad stations.

A historic context serves as a vital planning tool. It provides direction for evaluating and protecting significant resources and identifying the location, condition and significance of each resource. Historic contexts can help define the focus of planning priorities, goals and strategies.

Cultural Historic Reports and Context Library updated March 2023

Agricultural and Domestic Outbuildings in Central and Western Kentucky, 1800-1865

Frankfort African American Historic Context.pdf

From Log House to Cabin: Building in Log in Kentucky

House in a Box: Prefabricated Housing in the Jackson Purchase Cultural Landscape Region, 1900 to 1960

Kentucky Historic Schools Survey: An Examination of History and Condition of Kentucky's Older School Buildings

The New Deal Builds: A Historic Context of the New Deal in East Kentucky, 1933 to 1943

The Pioneer Log House in Kentucky

Roadside Architecture of Kentucky's Dixie Highways: A Tour Down Routes 31E and 31W

Rosenwald Schools in Kentucky 1917-1932

The Rural Landscape of Casey County: Farms and Crossroad Communities

A Survey of Historic Sites in Rural Marion and Washington Counties, Kentucky