Kentucky Rifle Association - organized to promote the collection and preservation of the Kentucky Rifle, Kentucky Pistol and related accoutrements

Kentucky Rifle Foundation
President's Message

For many years, the principles of the Kentucky Rifle Association have sought to create a way in which to educate the general public about the heritage of the 'Kentucky Rifle' and the men who made them. This idea came to fruition in 1999 when the Kentucky Rifle Foundation was created.

Actually the name 'Kentucky Rifle' is more akin to a cover title of a book or the name of a famous recipe. The book has many chapters and the recipe many ingredients and so it is with the 'Kentucky'. The vast majority of 'Kentucky Rifles' were made in Pennsylvania, but a great number were also made in the surrounding states of Maryland, the Virginias, Ohio, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky. The legend most collectors allow regarding the name 'Kentucky' evolved from a War of 1812 song celebrating the Americans' victory over the British at New Orleans in 1815. The song includes a verse, "the men from Kentucky with their trusty rifles." And so, it remains today the best generic term symbolizing these true objects of early American art - where ever they were made. Many experts consider the 'Kentucky Rifle' to be the only true art form original to America.

It is safe to say only a few people in any given community in any given state across our nation are even aware of the importance of the 'Kentucky' in the development of our country. Or for that matter, the role they played in the American Revolution and the 25-30 years after the Treaty of Paris was signed. These functional guns were used for defense against invading armies and hostile frontier conditions. They also provided food for the table and regional fame to the best marksmen.

It is the history and these stories the Kentucky Rifle Foundation is chartered to preserve and bring to the public in a meaningful way through books, traveling exhibits and general presentations a local KRA member can make to his community.

Eventually, with the help of many, a national museum site will be selected and the entire 'Kentucky Rifle' story will be on review.

Al Rehder, President KRF