The Market House Museum, located across from Kirchhoff's Bakery in Market House Square, features a complete, two story, ca. 1877 gingerbread drugstore interior, with the original stained glass windows and drug store paraphenalia; a magnificent collection of military exhibits from the Civil War, including Victorian furniture used by General US Grant while in Paducah in 1861, a pair of chairs used by the Lincolns in the White House, and a parlor set used by General Lew Wallace, who later wrote Ben Hur.
A quilt made by Mrs Robert E Lee is also on display. WWII exhibits feature a Pearl Harbor survivor from Paducah, the 1945 crash of a B29 SuperFortress, and more. Famous sons, VP Alben Barkley, Admiral Joe Clifton, and writer Irvin S. Cobb are showcased, within 3500 square feet of Paducah history exhibits. Krispy Kreme's recipe came from here as well as the real little Orphan Annie.
Hours:
March 1 to December 15: 12pm-4pm; Closed: Sun
Always closed on: Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Tips: Call ahead for adult group tours of more than 20. School tours mornings by pre-arranged appointment.