Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series

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The Gertrude Polk Brown

Lecture Series

The Gertrude Polk Brown

Lecture Series

2026 Lectures

The Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series is made possible through the generosity of her children, grandchildren, and other close relatives.

Paul M. Sparrow: Awakening the Spirit of America

FDR’s War of Words with Charles Lindbergh and the Battle to Save Democracy

Watch Recording
book cover for Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America by Karin Wulf

Karin Wulf: Lineage

Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America

6-7pm. September 3rd @ Actors Theatre of Louisville

Tickets Available Soon

Megan Kate Nelson: The Westerners

Mythmaking and Belonging on the American Frontier

6-7pm. October 1st @ Actors Theatre of Louisville

Tickets Available Soon

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. 

2025 Lectures

Enjoy the recordings of our 2025 Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series.

Rick Atkinson: The Fate of the Day

Watch Recording
Book Cover for the Red Scare by Clay Risen. Shows a Red background with a hole and a hand coming through the hole pointing out.

Clay Risen: Red Scare

Watch Recording
Book Cover for Cassius Marcellus Clay by Anne E. Marshall. Cover shows a white man (Cassius Marellus Clay) standing in a suit.

Anne E. Marshall: Cassius Marcellus Clay

Watch Recording

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.

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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