The Filson Historical Society is excited to welcome visitors and researchers in-person starting September 1, 2021! To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the Filson will be adhering to state and CDC guidelines at the time of our reopening. Before you visit, please check here for updates to our reopening plan. Until September 1, most events are being held virtually. To register for an event, please visit our Events Page. For information on recorded lectures and other activities, please visit the Bringing History Home page. Please email gro.l1627419976aciro1627419976tsihn1627419976oslif1627419976@hcra1627419976eser1627419976 for questions about remote research services. For all other questions, please email gro.l1627419976aciro1627419976tsihn1627419976oslif1627419976@ofni1627419976. We are looking forward to seeing you in-person soon!
Visiting our campus
We welcome you to visit us! The Filson’s operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Our exhibition galleries and research library are open during these times. Our main entrance is located in the Carriage House behind the Ferguson Mansion. See below for more detailed information regarding directions, parking, and accessibility.
Daily Tours
We offer free, guided tours every weekday at 2 pm. On this 45-60 minute tour, visitors will tour the campus, including the historic Ferguson Mansion and Wood Carriage House, and the 2016 addition to our campus, the Owsley Brown II History Center. Exhibits are also open before or after relevant programing – look for the Programs Plus events!
Group Tours
Want to schedule a tour for more than 10 guests? Please contact Community Engagement Specialist, Emma Bryan.
Schools can visit the Filson for tours of the historic Ferguson mansion and exhibit galleries and take advantage of the library and collections for research purposes. Reservations are required. For more information, please email Scott Scarboro.
Research in the Collections
Research hours at the Filson are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Most of our materials are on site and are pulled on demand, however appointments are necessary to see museum items. Learn more!
Research fees are waived for most Filson members, $10 for non-members, and students do not incur a research fee thanks to the David Armstrong Fellowships. Learn more about membership!
Host Your Next Event Here!
The Filson is a unique venue that blends the historic with the modern and provides a stunning background for any event. Several areas of the campus are available to be rented for dinners, retreats, meetings, receptions, parties, or weddings. Learn more and contact us here!
Directions
From Interstate 65 S: Take exit 135 (St. Catherine Street) and turn right at the end of the ramp. Follow St. Catherine until you come to Third Street, then turn left. Continue down Third Street through two stoplights. The Filson is immediately on your right just past W. Ormsby Ave.
From Interstate 65 N: Take exit 135 (St. Catherine Street) and turn left at the end of the ramp. Follow St. Catherine until you come to Third Street, then turn left. Continue down Third Street through two stoplights. The Filson is immediately on your right just past W. Ormsby Ave.
Parking
The Filson has parking lots on the north and south sides of the Ferguson Mansion, Wood Carriage House, and Owsley Brown II History Center. The Filson also owns an adjacent lot at the northeast corner of Ormsby and Third Streets. Accessible parking is available on the south side of the campus, and all parking on the north side allows for stairs-free accessible entrance to our buildings as well. Parking for all Filson events, research, and tours is free of charge. Street parking is also available nearby on Third Street and Ormsby Avenue.
Accessibility
The Filson Historical Society’s campus is accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Accessibility features include:
- Designated handicap parking located on the south side of the Ferguson Mansion and Owsley Brown II History Center
- Accessible doors located on both sides of the Wood Carriage House and Owsley Brown II History Center
- Elevators
If you have any questions about accessibility prior to your visit, please contact us at 502-635-5083.
Nearby Accommodations
The Filson is close to a variety of places to stay if you are planning to visit from out of town. Click here to see a list of nearby accommodations.
