Editorial standards

How we research

Every claim a reader might question — a date, name, number, or quote — links to a source. We prefer primary documents and official records, then peer-reviewed or institutional work, then encyclopedias. When sources disagree, the story says so and names the range. Family tradition and oral history are labeled as such. Each story keeps a Research notes page with the outline behind it.

AI illustrations

We use real archival photographs whenever they exist. Where none do, or where an illustration serves the story better, we use AI images. Every AI image is visibly labeled AI illustration · Kentucky History Drive and is never presented as a photograph. AI portraits of historical people follow the same credit; when no known likeness exists, the credit adds that note. Reference art for the site always carries the Kentucky History Drive credit — never a separate studio name.

Protected archaeological sites

Kentucky’s archaeological sites are fragile and protected by law. For sites that are not open to the public, we show location only at the county level and never give directions or coordinates. Please visit only sites that are open to the public, and leave everything where you find it.

Corrections

If you spot an error, a missing credit, or a fairer reading of a source, tell us on the Contact page. We welcome corrections and fix them promptly. Substantive changes are noted in the story when the record warrants it.

Culture images and evidence pages

Some culture and territory pages stay limited or noindex until their image evidence and copy meet this standard. That gate is intentional: thin or contested material does not get a permanent public URL ahead of the research.