The Filson Historical Society
The Filson Historical Society
5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Collecting, preserving, and sharing the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley since 1884. Come visit us to explore our historic campus, engaging exhibits and collections, and attend one of our many programs!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Old Louisville
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5.0
14 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
James G
Lexington, KY210 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
The Filson Historical Society's historic Ferguson Mansion contains much historic material related to Kentucky. And they have a relatively new addition as well.
In addition, the Filson Historical Society hosts a variety of speakers, seminars, etc.
A free tour of much of their facility is conducted at 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. A reservation is not needed. Just show up for it.
I was the only person present for the 2 p.m. tour on Tuesday, May 22nd, and felt privileged to receive a one-on-one tour conducted by Heather. She showed me much of the historic mansion, which contains a few original and several other period pieces. The tour also enabled me to see some of the Society's artwork collection and their research library, as well as their addition.
Heather patiently answered my numerous questions. The tour concluded with a visit to two galleries. What is displayed in the galleries changes periodically. During my visit, one of the galleries featured a large (and interesting) collection of photographs taken by a U.S. World War I soldier in Europe.
I did not time the tour. But, I'm guessing the tour took about an hour.
A key asset of the Filson Historical Society is its research library. Even nonmembers can conduct research there. But a daily fee of $10 for nonmembers applies. I hope to return for a visit sometime to conduct some research.
I encourage persons in the Louisville area who are interested in Kentucky history, seminars, lectures, etc., to consider joining. Though the Society is a private organization, my understanding is that membership is open to everyone who pays the dues.
And I urge persons in the Louisville area to seek to take the free tour sometime at 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.
In addition, the Filson Historical Society hosts a variety of speakers, seminars, etc.
A free tour of much of their facility is conducted at 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. A reservation is not needed. Just show up for it.
I was the only person present for the 2 p.m. tour on Tuesday, May 22nd, and felt privileged to receive a one-on-one tour conducted by Heather. She showed me much of the historic mansion, which contains a few original and several other period pieces. The tour also enabled me to see some of the Society's artwork collection and their research library, as well as their addition.
Heather patiently answered my numerous questions. The tour concluded with a visit to two galleries. What is displayed in the galleries changes periodically. During my visit, one of the galleries featured a large (and interesting) collection of photographs taken by a U.S. World War I soldier in Europe.
I did not time the tour. But, I'm guessing the tour took about an hour.
A key asset of the Filson Historical Society is its research library. Even nonmembers can conduct research there. But a daily fee of $10 for nonmembers applies. I hope to return for a visit sometime to conduct some research.
I encourage persons in the Louisville area who are interested in Kentucky history, seminars, lectures, etc., to consider joining. Though the Society is a private organization, my understanding is that membership is open to everyone who pays the dues.
And I urge persons in the Louisville area to seek to take the free tour sometime at 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Written 30 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbctraveler
Lady Lake, FL62 contributions
Oct 2019
My purpose in visiting was to explore the genealogy records. The facility was beautiful and beautifully maintained. The staff is very professional and knowledgeable. The research rooms are well lighted and beautiful.
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
honestrealreviews
Orlando, FL509 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
The Filson Historical website makes it appear as though there is a museum housed within this historic home, but there is not. However, you can obtain a visitor's badge at the front desk and you can tour the first floor of the home with an informational booklet that is provided to you.
Written 12 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY4,628 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
For a while during Covid there were no public lectures unless you counted the online lectures. Fortunately as we are getting back to normal guest lecturers are now able to present their lectures at the Filson Historical Society. Previously I attended a lecture on J. Edgar Hoover and one on the history of the Vanderbilts and their fall from prominence. Tonight’s lecture was on the surrender at Appomattox and the lingering effects of the Lost Cause and the problems it caused going forward. I missed going to the Filson and have enjoyed the lectures presented so far.
Written 20 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY4,628 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This was a fascinating story of Henrietta Wood a woman who was born into slavery in Kentucky, given her freedom in Cincinnati in 1848, then kidnapped in 1853 and sold back into slavery until after the Civil War. She actually sued her kidnapper and won. Stories such as this and more are a large part of what the Filson Historical Society does well. It doesn’t hurt that the a Filson is housed in the Ferguson Mansion in the popular Old Louisville Neighborhood.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY4,628 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
After a year and a half absence we have rejoined The Filson Historical Society just in time for Sandra Day O’Connor lecture. It was very informative and we were able to learn a bit more about her life and career as a Supreme Court Judge. Of course we came away with a better appreciation for her work and career. We also have signed up for future lectures that are of interest. Of course you don’t have to be a member to attend the lectures but do remember that most lectures are free to members. Many of the lectures/events take place in the Ferguson Mansion in Old Louisville which is not only lovely but historic. And yes, the Filson does have parking which is a bonus in Old Louisville.
Written 20 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrishA4
Brandenburg, KY3,238 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
We recently gave ourselves a membership to the Filson for Christmas, mainly for the frequent lectures. Having attended three lectures, which we greatly enjoyed, I wanted a tour of the facility yesterday. First I did a self-tour of the two current displays, one about the past Shanty Boat culture on the Ohio River, the other “Connect the Dots” based on Family genealogy. At 2:00pm, I met a Filson volunteer (Chip Arbegust), who took us throughout the facility. The tour was punctuated with facts, pictures, humor, and discussion. After the tour I completed a quick hour of successful family research! Located in Old Louisville, the Filson has limited free parking. Enjoy!
Written 31 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C. Miller12
St. Augustine, FL134 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
This beautiful facility is stunning to look at, and provides a well curated collection centered around the WWI era. There is full research library upstairs which is quite impressive
Written 19 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna H
Louisville, KY59 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Good place to learn to trace your ancestry. Many exhibits of old Kentucky way of life. Houses rchi es of Louisvillian ancestry.
Written 16 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh W
8 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
The Filson just recently finished a total remodel of their facilities, and now they have an amazing set of auditoriums for conferences, and an expanded on site collections. Really beautiful stuff in its own right.
Written 7 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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