Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series

The Gertrude Polk Brown

Lecture Series

The Gertrude Polk Brown

Lecture Series

2025 Lectures

Thank you to our sponsors: Dace Brown Stubbs, Marshall Farrer, Dace Polk Brown, Laura Lee Brown, Garvin Deters, Polk Deters, Laura Lee Gastis, Garvin Brown IV, and Campbell Brown.

Rick Atkinson: The Fate of the Day

6-7pm. June 16 @ The Brown Theatre

2025 Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture

Check Back Soon For More Information

2025 Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture

Check Back Soon For More Information

About the Series

Gertrude Polk Brown 

Established in 1993 as a memorial to the life of Gertrude Polk Brown, this lecture series stands as a cornerstone of The Filson’s public programming. Many award-winning authors have participated in this prestigious series. Since its inception, approximately 50,000 people have connected with the Filson through this lecture series. 

Gertrude Polk Brown

Established in 1993 as a memorial to the life of Gertrude Polk Brown, this lecture series stands as a cornerstone of The Filson’s public programming. Many award-winning authors have participated in this prestigious series. Since its inception, approximately 50,000 people have connected with the Filson through this lecture series. 

The Speakers

Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series speakers are chosen based on their outstanding achievements in research, writing, and oratory skills, with a diversity that extends beyond historians to include journalists and prize-winning authors. While the lectures often delve into topics related to the materials collected by the Filson, they encompass a wide range of themes, from local history to global affairs, resonating deeply with audiences, particularly those reflecting on 20th-century events and presidential leadership.

Past SpeakersCheck Mark

The Speakers

Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series speakers are chosen based on their outstanding achievements in research, writing, and oratory skills, with a diversity that extends beyond historians to include journalists and prize-winning authors. While the lectures often delve into topics related to the materials collected by the Filson, they encompass a wide range of themes, from local history to global affairs, resonating deeply with audiences, particularly those reflecting on 20th-century events and presidential leadership.

Past SpeakersCheck Mark

Our Vision

As the Filson continues to expand its programs, collections, and scholarly pursuits, we remain committed to serving as a beacon of historical preservation and education, enriching the lives of our community members. Integral to this vision is the Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series. Through the endowment and continued support of the lecture series, the Filson will continue to bring celebrated speakers to Louisville.

Our Vision

As the Filson continues to expand its programs, collections, and scholarly pursuits, we remain committed to serving as a beacon of historical preservation and education, enriching the lives of our community members. Integral to this vision is the Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series. Through the endowment and continued support of the lecture series, the Filson will continue to bring celebrated speakers to Louisville.