The oldest Kentucky state-chartered historical organization in continuous existence. We have been collecting, preserving, and telling the story of Kentucky and the Ohio River Valley since March 1, 1878. The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center educates visitors by offering dynamic collections, exhibits, and a genealogical-historical library. The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center is the operating entity of the Maysville and Mason County Library, Historical and Scientific Association. Founded in 1878 when a local merchant, James Wormald, of English origin, made a contribution of $2000 to fund "the establishment, promotion, and preservation of an institute in said city, uniting the advantages of a public library with those of a historical and scientific society." The Association was chartered by the State of Kentucky on March 1, 1878 and is said to be the oldest state historical organization in continuous existence.