Some people find a museum visit to be a dry affair where you look at articles in a sterile setting and read a blurb about its significance and purpose. Adsmore is entirely different because it is a living house museum, the only example of this type of exhibition in Kentucky.
A visit to Adsmore is a step back in time to the Golden Age to enter the lives of the prominent Smith-Garrett family. Adsmore takes you through life as it was between 1901 and 1907 laid out in tableaus and room settings relating to significant family and social events. The specifics of what you view depend on the time of year but whichever season or event you choose, there are rooms full of original and restored antique furniture and fittings as bequeathed in 1984 by Kathryn Garrett, the last resident. Whether you take a guided tour or wander around at your own leisure, Adsmore lets you see objects and curios in their natural surroundings and puts historical and every day objects into context.
To the rear of the main 1854 built property is the Carriage House which is now a gift shop with many of the items on sale being Victoriana. Also away from the main house is a log cabin which houses Ratliff’s Gun Shop, a functioning gunsmith that dates back to the 1840s.
The properties are set in beautiful grounds which are used in some of the tours and also for the annual Concert on the Lawn. If you are looking for a unique setting for an atmospheric bijou wedding, Adsmore has a small period room you can hire for celebrations after your ceremony is conducted on the lawn.Adsmore House and Gardens are located at 304 N Jefferson Street, Princeton, KY. Check the website for opening times and schedule Adsmore
Reservations are required for some tours and events.
