The Filson Historical Society’s fellowships encourage the scholarly use of the Filson’s nationally significant collections. There are a variety of fellowships tailored to scholars, students, community members, and artists.
Filson Institute (formerly Research Fellowships)
The Filson is proud to announce members of the 2026 Filson Institute cohort. Our thanks to all of the talented applicants who made our work to narrow down the pool difficult! The theme of the 2026 Filson Institute reflects the Filson’s approach and engagement with America250: E Pluribus Unum, La Belle Rivière, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Joining us from June 22-26, 2026, are the following individuals:
Dr. Pippa Holloway, University of Richmond, Virginia Penny’s Struggles for Justice
Dr. Kelly Hopkins, University of Houston, Displacement and Renewal: Multinational Indigenous Communities and Resistance in the Ohio River Valley, 1720-1815
Dhananjaya Premauden, University of Pennsylvania, The Speculation College: How Land and The Speculative Economy Built Early Nineteenth Century Public Colleges in the United States, 1787-1862
Andrew Washburn, University of Cincinnati, Maritime Ohio: Redefining the Heart of North America in the Long Eighteenth Century
Dr. Cassandra Jane Werking, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology and Culinary Institute of America, Refuge, Raids, and Confederates on Sleighs: How the Confederacy Exploited Canada and the International Border and Shaped the American Civil War
Please join us at the Filson for a public roundtable on June 26, 2026 at noon where the Institute cohort will share findings and discuss their relevance to contemporary regional and national issues. Click here to register.
E Pluribus Unum
The Filson has been the trusted keeper of the stories of our region for more than 140 years. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we preserve and protect the stories of our past, present, and future. Reflect on the diverse and inclusive stories of the many people, places, and events that have shaped our Union. From many, one.
La Belle Rivière
French explorer Robert de La Salle deemed the Ohio “The Beautiful River” in 1669. This superlative lives on today through the beauty of the rich cultural and artistic communities throughout the region. Celebrate art, music, food, and landscape, elevating historic and modern cultural expressions that activate the founding principles of our nation.
Pursuit of Happiness
This forward-looking statement that is coupled in its era by the Constitution seeking a “more perfect Union” in which liberty could be secured “to ourselves and our Posterity” reflects our nation’s on-going struggles for full inalienable rights across all our communities. The Filson invites you to present a deep investigation of our past and a creative contemporary dialogue with our community about civics, economics, creativity, and individual identity in the 21st century. We have a history full of futures.
David Armstrong History Fellowship Award
To Dave Armstrong, history was not just interesting, it was essential. He believed that an understanding of the past provided the best foundation for future success. His undergraduate degree in history from Murray State University provided him with such a foundation, paving the way for a successful career serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky. David Armstrong served as Attorney General of Kentucky (1984-1988) and Mayor of Louisville (1999-2003). Now, thanks to a program created in his honor, students have a new opportunity to connect with history at the Filson Historical Society.
The David Armstrong History Fellows program will provide up to 100 free Filson Historical Society family memberships to students. Targeted high school students are in Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Floyd, and Clark counties.
To apply for a High School David Armstrong History Fellow Award:
- Students complete an application available on the Filson website. Download your application form here!
- Obtain signature from a school representative and a parent/guardian.
- Submit the application by email to Kate Wanke or mail to the Filson, 1310 S. 3rd, Louisville, KY 40208.
To apply for a College or Graduate David Armstrong History Fellow Award:
Teachers should encourage students to apply for this free family membership quickly, as awards will be given out to eligible students in the order received.
David Armstrong History Fellows will receive special benefits including: a year-long family membership to the Filson ($120 value), free admission to educational programs, career exploration, and assistance in conducting research in the Filson’s library and special collections. Fellows will also be invited to attend a special behind-the-scenes tour.
David Armstrong History Fellows award applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Fellows will be notified when their application is accepted. Fellows’ membership benefits will run for a full calendar year from the date that their application is accepted.
This program is the result of donations to the Filson in memory of David Armstrong.
