Design phase underway for new museum, gym interior

Work on the Clay County basketball museum and gym interior is underway, and you could help!

The Clay Board of Education and Superintendent William Sexton are proud to announce the museum will open at the start of the ’24-’25 basketball season.

“This is something our students, players, and fans will enjoy,” Superintendent Sexton said. “Clay County is special, and we want to showcase that tradition to everyone who comes here.”

In collaboration with the Clay County Historical Society and Kraemer Design of Cincinnati, Ohio, to create the experience in the new gym addition. The Clay Historical Society utilized Kraemer Design to create their “Clay We Were” museum.

The team is also designing the interior of the renovated gym to highlight school spirit and the rich tradition of the Tigers and Lady Tigers.

“The walls will not be bare when the season starts,” Sexton said. I know some fans were worried when they saw all the retired jerseys and banners gone. Our walls will be filled with school spirit and honoring our past legends.”

Historical Society President Mike White, former principal and assistant coach to the legendary Bobby Keith is bringing his historical knowledge and expertise to create the museum.

“We aim to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams participating in Clay County basketball,” Clay Historical Society President Mike White said. “We want to educate and entertain.”

The Clay County High School Basketball Museum is dedicated to recognizing our county’s rich tradition and history of basketball. Visitors will discover the stories of the great teams, coaches, players, media, and friends of basketball. Galleries will encourage visitor participation, allowing them to experience the greatest basketball moments in Clay County history.

All basketball memorabilia will be displayed, creating a permanent collection for students, Clay Countians, and out-of-town visitors.

Do you have an item (or items) that will help tell the story of Clay County basketball? We are particularly interested in uniforms, trophies, photographs, paper items (schedules, etc.), unusual keepsakes, and collectibles. The Clay County Historical Society in downtown Manchester will collect items (Thursdays and Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm EST) until July 31st or mail an item to Clay County Historical Society, 202 Main Street, Manchester, KY 40962.

Is your item of interest? Need your item to be picked up? Give Mark Hoskins (606-599-5959) or Mike White (606-813-6711) a call to discuss the details.

We invite you to be a part of something special, preserving Clay County basketball history.