Welcome to The Shelby Society
As descendants of Kentucky’s 63 Governors, we are dedicated to preserving and advancing our great Commonwealth.
About us
Since 1792, Kentucky had numerous Governors, each leaving an individual legacy to the Bluegrass State.
With a total of fifty-nine individuals having served as the Governor of Kentucky, there are hundreds of direct descendants who have the opportunity to connect as descendants of Kentucky’s Chief Executives. In 2015, the first, and to date only, association of descendants of the governors of an American state was formed. This organization was named The Shelby Society, aptly named after Kentucky’s first governor, Isaac Shelby, and all direct of descendants of the Governors are eligible members.
If you are a direct descendant, please join us as we engage in many activities involving community service and social gathering.
Stephen L. Collins
President-General, Registar-General
The Great Seal
The Great Seal of The Shelby Society is inset with the Kentucky frontiersman and the Kentucky statesman shaking hands with “United We Stand, Divided We Fall,” the motto of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, encircling them.
A Few of Our Governors
Term: August 26, 1828 to September 4, 1832
Image credit: Kentucky Historical Society
Governor Thomas Metcalfe
National Republican
20 March 1780 — 18 August 1855
Term: September 4, 1832 to February 21, 1834
Governor John Breathitt
Democratic
09 September 1786 — 21 February 1834
Term: December 13, 1983 to December 8, 1987
Image credit: Kentucky Historical Society
Governor Martha Layne Collins
Democratic
07 December 1936 —
Term: December 10, 2019
Image credit: nga.org
Governor Andrew Graham Beshear
Democratic
29 November 1977 –
News
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Shelby Society News June 2025
The Shelby Society celebrated its 10th anniversary 7 June 2025 with a meeting for the general membership, hosted by Governor and Mrs. Andy Beshear at the Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort. It was a beautiful evening in the stunning space, containing artifacts and memorabilia from past administrations. (See pictures in the Gallery) There was something for…