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Your History – Your Filson

For over 140 years, the Filson Historical Society has collected, preserved, and shared our region’s story – a story that connects us to our past, our place, and each other. We rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and organizations in order to continue our work of preserving and sharing our region’s history. Support the Filson’s mission to collect, preserve, and share the significant history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.

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Annual Fund

For over 140 years, the Filson Historical Society has collected, preserved, and shared our region’s story – a story that connects us to our past, our place, and each other. Your annual fund donation provides powerful support for everything the Filson does, including historical preservation, educational programs, publications, and exhibits. Please consider making a gift today or becoming a History Sustainer by making a monthly contribution.

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Corporate Support

Corporate support of the Filson allows us to collect, preserve, and share the significant history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley. The Filson shares our community’s history through our research library, exhibits, and a variety of educational programs. Approximately 70 educational programs are offered at the Filson annually. More than 18,000 individuals interact with the Filson each year.

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Watercolor of shantyboats by Alice Prizer Fay

Legacy Giving

Your legacy gift to the Filson Historical Society ensures that the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley will be preserved and shared for years to come. Since our founding in 1884, the Filson has relied on the strong support of generations of individuals who recognize the importance of the Filson’s mission. By making a legacy gift, you become a part of the Thruston Legacy Circle, a honorary society creating a lasting impact on our community.

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Adopt an Artifact

To fulfill the Filson’s mission, staff actively work each year to identify, research, and fund the restoration and conservation work of our collection’s items, to preserve these items for future generations. We need your help! Join us in our goal to protect and preserve the stories these material objects hold by Adopting an Artifact!

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Image of patterned quilt in the Filson Collection

Donate to Collections

The Filson Historical Society actively acquires personal, family, corporate, and institutional items that relate to Kentucky and the Ohio Valley. History is more than just famous people or significant events; the Filson collects materials that represent the varied experiences and communities of the Ohio Valley.

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Image of lecture at the Filson historical society. Lecturer standing at front of room speaking with audience stilling and listening.

Membership

The Filson Historical Society invites anyone with an interest in history to join as a member. Filson membership allows you and your family to become history insiders, receiving exclusive benefits while supporting local history. Look below for a full list of benefits. Please join, renew, or purchase a gift membership today!

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Visit the Filson

Open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm

The Filson is closed to the public the 3rd Friday of every month.

1310 S. 3rd St., Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 635-5083

Plan Your Visit to the Filson! To register or purchase tickets for our events, please visit our Events Page.

The Research Library is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30pm; we are closed on the third Friday of each month. Appointments are not required, but feel free to reserve a seat online – learn more here. We also provide remote research services; please complete our research request form online here.

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