FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky lawmakers will meet in historic surroundings next week when the General Assembly convenes in the Old State Capitol Building, a National Historic Landmark that was the center of Kentucky government from 1830 to 1910.
The Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives will go into session in the Old State Capitol’s historic chambers at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19. The building is located at 300 West Broadway Street in Frankfort.
“We’re fortunate that Kentucky has been so diligent about preserving a historical treasure that played a key role in our state’s history,” said Senate President Robert Stivers II, R-Manchester. “The Old State Capitol is where many decisions made over a century ago set a course that affects Kentuckians to this day.”
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, credits the Kentucky Historical Society for inviting lawmakers to meet in the Old State Capitol.
“Kentucky has a rich history and it comes to life at the Old State Capitol,” Osborne said. “The House Chamber saw more than eight decades of political debate on its floor and countless pieces of public policy enacted within its walls. The Old Capitol’s historic halls have witnessed some of the worst times in our country’s history, but like our commonwealth they have stood the test of time.”
Citizens can view the Feb. 19 proceedings from the Old State Capitol on a livestream on Kentucky Educational Television’s website at www.ket.org/legislature/. Proceedings will also be broadcast on KET KY, the Kentucky Channel. (Journalists who have badges to cover the General Assembly will be admitted to the Old State Capitol’s chambers as space permits.)
The Old State Capitol is a Greek Revival structure, designed by Kentucky native Gideon Shryock, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of 19th Century architecture. It was the third State Capitol built on Frankfort’s old public square and served as the center of Kentucky government until the current State Capitol building opened a little over one mile away in 1910.
Upon completion of the Old Capitol proceedings on Tuesday, the Senate and House will reconvene in the current State Capitol’s legislative chambers to handle procedural matters, such as the introduction of bills, before officially adjourning for the day.
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