Filson Historical Society

Help the Filson continue to steward Ohio Valley history & culture!

For 140 years, the Filson Historical Society has collected, preserved, and shared our region's story - a story that connects us to our past, our place, and to each other.

Founded in 1884, the Filson engages students, educators, researchers, and the public with the rich history and culture of Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and the Ohio Valley region. Serving as an integral part of our community, the Filson remains dedicated to historical education and stewarding our collective past while looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Your gift ensures that the Filson can continue its vital mission to preserve our history and provide accessible, invaluable, and historically relevant insights into our world through educational programming for everyone in our community and region. 

We are grateful for any gift, but here are a few of the ways your gift will be utilized!

• $10 sponsors a research appointment
• $18 supports free program admission for community members
• $75 sponsors a FREE Individual membership to the Filson
• $125 sponsors a FREE Family membership to the Filson
• $500 sponsors a visiting researcher for one week
• $1,000 supports historically significant and engaging programs as well as outreach events

As we set our sights on the future, we invite you to join us in support of our mission! A dedicated group of community and board leaders have come together to create a $140,000 Donor Challenge. Your generosity through Give for Good Louisville 2024 will help us to continue to steward historical collections, enact important initiatives, scholarship, programs, fellowships, and so much more, for the next 140 years and beyond.