News Release

A Day with the Knights

When you enter the new Frazier Historical Arms Museum in Louisville, you find yourself drawn into a world of knights and cowboys, desperadoes and patriots. Likenesses of such luminaries as Teddy Roosevelt, Daniel Boone, Geronimo, and Buffalo Bill Cody stare out from murals on the brick walls and seem to say, "Come in and learn about us and the times and artifacts that made us famous."

From England:

It's Only a Flesh Wound

If you are familiar with the Monty Python movies, you're sure to smile at the armor that fills the third floor of the museum, where visitors begin their tour. The tale of swordplay begins in Europe in the year 1070, when the Royal Armouries first began taking care of armor and weapons between battles. Today, that regal repository across the sea holds artifacts that date back 1,000 years, and they have joined with this museum (a beautifully renovated tobacco warehouse in the heart of downtown) for the first permanent display in North America of the priceless weaponry.

Take in the tableaux-lifelike scenes from famous battles of medieval times, such as the Battle of Hastings (1066). Don't miss the chain mail shirt from the 15th century and the swords and spears from the 1300s. Check out the full set of armor from 1600 and the jousting lances from the 1500s.

From America: Weapons of the Stars

The second floor contains the collection of Owsley Brown Frazier, founder of the museum, and you won't believe the items you'll see here: Geronimo's bow and arrows, Teddy Roosevelt's rifle, Gen. George Armstrong Custer's pearl-handled Colt pistols, and the list goes on and on.

One sign advertising for Pony Express riders in 1849 sums up the rough times (and the need for bearing arms) in the Wild West: "Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows, not over 18. Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred. Wages $25."

This museum offers you a great way to experience both the medieval and Early American times and not have to worry about getting even a flesh wound.