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The Filson Historical Society announces the 2025 Filson Institute

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Filson Historical Society is pleased to invite scholars to apply for the 2025 Filson Institute, a one-week immersive program designed to spark innovation, foster connections, and drive impactful research on topics related to the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley. The theme of the 2025 Filson Institute is reflecting on 25 years of “Ohio Valley History,” the institution’s scholarly journal that is produced in partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center and the University of Cincinnati. How has this unique regional framework facilitated scholarship? What perspectives remain underrepresented? How have understandings of American regionalism evolved since 2000? As we approach America250 in 2026, how are Kentucky and its neighboring states uniquely situated to tell a compelling national story that breaks up popular and scholarly conventions about North, South, West, urban, and rural? 

From June 23-27, 2025, a select cohort of five fellows will gather at the Filson’s campus at 1310 S. 3rd St., Louisville to engage with the organization’s extensive manuscript, print, photo, and museum collections. In addition to working with the Filson’s expert archival and curatorial staff, the cohort will work alongside the “Ohio Valley History” journal editorial team, benefiting from their insight to shape their research for publication. Participants in the Filson Institute will be encouraged to contribute to a thematic issue of “Ohio Valley History”, with editorial support throughout the process, culminating in a scheduled publication in late 2026.

A detailed timeline can be found at https://filsonhistorical.org/about-us/fellowships/. For more information, please contact Jennie Cole, Director of Collections Access, via email at gro.l1738941540aciro1738941540tsihn1738941540oslif1738941540@eloc1738941540j1738941540 or by phone at (502) 653-5083.