Membership

Become a Member

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!

If you have questions about which membership level works best for you, please call our Development and Membership Department at 502-634-7108 and a member of the Development team will be happy to assist you, or email Kate Wanke.

Already a member? Click here to manage your membership.

JOIN THE FILSON

Gift Membership

Share the gift of history! Give the history lover in your friends and family a membership to the Filson. Filson members enjoy free research access, free or reduced pricing for Filson events, and subscriptions to our quarterly publications. Purchase a gift membership today!

History is Calling!

Explore our membership benefits by clicking on each level. There’s a membership level for everyone! Our members’ support is critical to preserving, collecting, and sharing the history of the Ohio Valley region today and for future generations.

Educator (Teacher/Student) - $30

Discounted membership with digital publications for one adult with a current educator ID. Retired educators may also apply.
Free or reduced admission to Filson events
Free subscriptions to The Filson newsmagazine and the Ohio Valley History journal (digitally)
Free research access to the Filson’s collections and reduced remote research
10% off image orders
Reduced rate of $35 per hour for professional research assistance
Discounted book sales at Filson events

E-member - $35

Streaming access to Filson events and lectures for one adult
Emailed issues of the quarterly Filson newsmagazine and Ohio Valley History journal
One hour of professional research assistance – by phone or email
Additional research assistance at a reduced rate of $35 an hour

Individual - $85

Membership benefits for one adult
Free or reduced admission to Filson events
Free subscriptions to The Filson newsmagazine and the Ohio Valley History journal
Free research access to the Filson’s collections and reduced remote research
10% off image orders
Reduced rate of $35 per hour for professional research assistance
Discounted book sales at Filson events

Family - $140

Membership benefits for two adults and all children under 18
Recognition in The Filson newsmagazine
Membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program
Free or reduced admission to Filson events
Free subscriptions to The Filson newsmagazine and the Ohio Valley History journal
Free research access to the Filson’s collections and reduced remote research
10% off image orders
Reduced rate of $35 per hour for professional research assistance
Discounted book sales at Filson events

Friend - $250

Membership benefits for two adults and all children under 18
Invitations to special exhibit openings
2 free guest passes
Recognition in The Filson newsmagazine
Membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program
Free or reduced admission to Filson events
Free subscriptions to The Filson newsmagazine and the Ohio Valley History journal
Free research access to the Filson’s collections and reduced remote research
10% off image orders
Reduced rate of $35 per hour for professional research assistance
Discounted book sales at Filson events

Sustainer- $500

Membership benefits for two adults and all children under 18
Two free hours of professional research consultation with Filson archivists
Invitations to special exhibit openings
4 free guest passes
Recognition in The Filson newsmagazine
Membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program
Free or reduced admission to Filson events
Free subscriptions to The Filson newsmagazine and the Ohio Valley History journal
Free research access to the Filson’s collections and reduced remote research
10% off image orders
Discounted book sales at Filson events

1884 Society

As one of the most prominent historical organizations, the Filson leads and educates through our programs, collections, and resources. The Filson reminds individuals the importance of remembering our past and helps foster the intellectual curiosity of the public. Your support makes all this work possible. Join a unique group of members committed to supporting the The Filson Historical Society’s mission at the highest level.

Learn About the 1884 Society

Discounted Rates

The Filson is a proud member of the Museums for All program.

Additionally, you can save $10 on Individual and Family memberships by opting-in to a digital subscription of Ohio Valley History.

For more information about the program or any questions about membership, please call 502-634-7108 or email Kate Wanke.

Institutional Subscriptions

Institutional membership is designed for libraries, universities, historical societies, and other organizations seeking an annual subscription to Ohio Valley History, the Filson Historical Society’s peer‑reviewed journal. For $60 annually, Institutional Members receive the journal and support the Filson’s mission to advance scholarship and share the rich history of the Ohio Valley. Institutions may subscribe directly through the Filson or manage their subscription through third‑party subscription agency such as EBSCO or WT Cox. Organizations interested in learning more or establishing an Institutional Membership are invited to contact Kate Wanke directly for assistance.

North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM)

The Filson Historical Society is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM). This benefit is included in your Filson membership at the Family level and above. The program allows your Filson membership to provide free or reduced ticket prices to museums all over North America. Go to the NARM website to learn more about utilizing this benefit on your travels. If you have an questions, please call our Development and Membership Department at 502-634-7108 or email Kate Wanke.

3 young researchers listening to a Filson staff member.

Filson Membership Renewal

Already a member and looking to renew or upgrade your membership? The Filson uses Agile Ticketing Solutions to handle membership renewals and event ticketing. Please follow the link below to access the Agile system and your membership information. You will need to sign in to access member benefits on Agile. If you are having issues signing into Agile please call (502) 635-5083 or email Kate Wanke.

Membership Sign-In

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.

Join the Filson's Email List

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