History Inspires Fellowship

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Text reads "History inspires fellowship". Image of book and manuscript.
Image credit: Dr. Lynnel Edwards drew on the Filson’s rich archival collection for inspirations reflected in her book of poetry, “This Great Green Valley.”

History Inspires Fellowship Program

In recent years, the Filson has established relationships with regional artists, either through the artist’s donations of materials to its collection or by artists’ conducting research for creative projects. In 2023, the Filson piloted an experimental new program called History Inspires Fellowship (HIF). The goal of the new fellowship program is to build upon these relationships by promoting the Filson as a resource for artistic scholarly research and inspiration while strengthening the bond with the creative community.

The History Inspires Fellowship program will provide innovative people in the contemporary art world access to the Filson’s collections. This is not limited to visual artists, but all creative folk; makers, musicians, poets, quilters, dancers, etc. Creatives of all types using any medium for self-expression are invited to submit a project proposal stating what they plan to research using the Filson’s collections and how our materials will help them produce a body of work.

The History Inspires Fellowship Program was developed by Scott Scarboro, Programs & Education Manager with support from Heather Potter, Curator of Manuscripts and Maureen Lane, Curator of Museum Collections & Exhibits Coordinator.

Learn more about the fellowship and how to apply: https://filsonhistorical.org/about-us/fellowships/#historyfellow

2024 Cohort

John Akre

John Akre is a stop motion and digital animator who creates films in his home studio using a variety of materials and techniques, including paper cutouts and drawing directly on movie film. He also enjoys creating animation in public places with the help of anybody who passes by. His History Inspires project will use the Louisville Transit Company Records, survey plats, architectural records, streetcar photographs and maps to find imagery in the Filson collections to create an animated short film about the connections created by and inherent in the streetcars that once tied together the streets and citizens of Louisville, and the single screen cinema palaces that once gave Louisvillians their gathering spaces. Because his animation work is often created with community collaboration, a temporary stop motion studio will be set up in the Filson’s Carriage House where the public will be able to help as part of the summer Cultural Pass programming at the Filson.

John Akre

John Akre is a stop motion and digital animator who creates films in his home studio using a variety of materials and techniques, including paper cutouts and drawing directly on movie film. He also enjoys creating animation in public places with the help of anybody who passes by. His History Inspires project will use the Louisville Transit Company Records, survey plats, architectural records, streetcar photographs and maps to find imagery in the Filson collections to create an animated short film about the connections created by and inherent in the streetcars that once tied together the streets and citizens of Louisville, and the single screen cinema palaces that once gave Louisvillians their gathering spaces. Because his animation work is often created with community collaboration, a temporary stop motion studio will be set up in the Filson’s Carriage House where the public will be able to help as part of the summer Cultural Pass programming at the Filson.

Image of Tammy Burke.

Tammy Burke is a contemporary artist and garment maker for a costume company. During her fellowship, she plans to examine two common decorative practices, mosaic and quilting, and create versions of them that counter their traditional forms. Gathering inspiration from the patterns of the mosaic tile work featured in the Fergusion Mansion, she will take what is otherwise an immobile solid artwork and design an article of clothing that can be viewed outside of the mansion, making the mosaic flexible and more accessible. In turn, she will study the Filson’s extensive quilt collection to find inspiration from the various historic patterns and designs of these delicate items to translate into weather resistant glass mosaic panels to be displayed outdoors. This project will showcase parts of the Filson collection that may seem out of reach and not only take the collections outside of the physical location, but outside their material limits.

Tammy Burke is a contemporary artist and garment maker for a costume company. During her fellowship, she plans to examine two common decorative practices, mosaic and quilting, and create versions of them that counter their traditional forms. Gathering inspiration from the patterns of the mosaic tile work featured in the Fergusion Mansion, she will take what is otherwise an immobile solid artwork and design an article of clothing that can be viewed outside of the mansion, making the mosaic flexible and more accessible. In turn, she will study the Filson’s extensive quilt collection to find inspiration from the various historic patterns and designs of these delicate items to translate into weather resistant glass mosaic panels to be displayed outdoors. This project will showcase parts of the Filson collection that may seem out of reach and not only take the collections outside of the physical location, but outside their material limits.

Image of Zed Saeed

Zed Saeed is a photographer and writer who is deeply invested in historical research. Many of his projects start out with weeks, and sometimes months, of in-depth research into a topic. As a History Inspires fellow, he intends to create a photo showcase drawing on the Filson’s manuscripts, photographs, library, and museum collections to gain understanding of the history of race relations in Louisville and the heyday of Walnut Street. The archival research will be incorporated into his creative process by photographing specific locations along what is now known as Muhammed Ali Boulevard to tell the tragic story of Walnut Street’s rise and fall, of race relations and the grand dreams of urban renewal that destroyed it. Saeed’s project will culminate with an article in Ohio Valley History, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal jointly produced by the Filson Historical Society, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Zed Saeed is a photographer and writer who is deeply invested in historical research. Many of his projects start out with weeks, and sometimes months, of in-depth research into a topic. As a History Inspires fellow, he intends to create a photo showcase drawing on the Filson’s manuscripts, photographs, library, and museum collections to gain understanding of the history of race relations in Louisville and the heyday of Walnut Street. The archival research will be incorporated into his creative process by photographing specific locations along what is now known as Muhammed Ali Boulevard to tell the tragic story of Walnut Street’s rise and fall, of race relations and the grand dreams of urban renewal that destroyed it. Saeed’s project will culminate with an article in Ohio Valley History, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal jointly produced by the Filson Historical Society, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Museum Center.

Image of Ashley Thursby

Ashley Thursby is an artist in her 16th season with Louisville Ballet. A dancer and choreographer, she plans to delve into the archives of Alun Jones-Helen Starr and Vincent Falardo collections to create a dance piece where individuals can experience the power of storytelling that is built through connecting the mind and body with movement. By utilizing both visual and written design excerpts from the archives, she plans to create a work that can be performed in a non-traditional dance venue and incorporates audience participation. Through this process of sharing, the stories of Louisville Ballet’s history will strengthen the ties of past and present within our arts community.

Ashley Thursby is an artist in her 16th season with Louisville Ballet. A dancer and choreographer, she plans to delve into the archives of Alun Jones-Helen Starr and Vincent Falardo collections to create a dance piece where individuals can experience the power of storytelling that is built through connecting the mind and body with movement. By utilizing both visual and written design excerpts from the archives, she plans to create a work that can be performed in a non-traditional dance venue and incorporates audience participation. Through this process of sharing, the stories of Louisville Ballet’s history will strengthen the ties of past and present within our arts community.

Visit the Filson

The Filson will be open on Friday 10/4 during the St. James Art Fair, however parking space will be limited as we sell our parking spaces during the fair.  Please plan accordingly.

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

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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 email gro.l1728241339aciro1728241339tsihn1728241339oslif1728241339@hcra1728241339eser1728241339.

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