Last updated: March 17, 2021
Place
Filson Historical Society
"File:Filson club 2.jpg" by W.marsh is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick Facts
Location:
Louisville, KY
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
12 listed
Accessible Sites, Amphitheater, Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Internet/WiFi Available, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Telephone, Theater/Auditorium
Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums
Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Filson Historical Society can only be described as a hidden gem tucked away in downtown Louisville, KY. The Society was founded on May 15, 1884, by ten men, mostly amateur historians based in Louisville, led by Reuben T. Durrett. The Society takes its name from Kentucky’s first historian, John Filson, whose map of the state and book, The Discovery, Settlement, and Present State of Kentucke, brought him fame in 1784.
The Ferguson Mansion, built in 1905 by the architectural firm Cobb & Dodd for Edwin Hite Ferguson, has served as the headquarters for the Filson Historical Society since 1986. The mansion boasts its own historical significance and is a stunning showcase of Beaux-Arts architecture, a style characterized by order, symmetry, and extensive decorative detail. It later served as a funeral home and passed through two more owners before being purchased and renovated by the Filson Historical Society.
According to the Society, its mission is “to collect, preserve, and tell the significant stories of Kentucky and Ohio Valley history and culture.” Their many collections of photographs, manuscripts, books, and artifacts represent a period that spans more than 230 years. Included among them are six original letters written by William Clark and one original letter written by Meriwether Lewis, all transcribed during their 1803-1806 expedition. Several related documents include a diary by Clark’s brother, Jonathan Clark, and a prospectus by Lewis detailing the official expedition history. Artifacts and portraits of the explorers and their kin are also included in the collection.
Several physical and virtual resources are available for research purposes and are regularly utilized by guests from all over the world. The staff is very knowledgeable and available for assistance and private tours. The Filson Society helps edit the peer-reviewed journal, Ohio Valley History, and also publishes a seasonal news magazine, The Filson, with articles written by staff and volunteers to aid in community outreach. Educational events and discussions are held regularly for the public, and rooms within the charming Ferguson Mansion are available to rent for special events and gatherings. For more information, please visit https://filsonhistorical.org/.