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SEE IT: This century-old mansion was once home to one of Louisville's most affluent families

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 21:32 GMT by The Courier-Journal

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A Mansion Steeped in History

The Filson’s new home is a grand example of early 20th‑century design, boasting soaring ceilings, original wood paneling, and a sweeping staircase that sweeps through the main hall. The property, situated on a corner block in the heart of Old Louisville, was originally built in the 1920s for a prominent local businessman. Its architectural features—stucco walls, ornamental ironwork, and a stately marble fireplace—were meticulously restored in a project that cost roughly $2 million.

Renovators preserved key original elements while adding modern amenities. The lobby now serves as an inviting welcome area with a 12‑foot‑tall chandelier, and a dedicated research wing houses the Filson’s 17,000‑volume library, an essential resource for scholars of Kentucky history. A newly constructed wing, integrated seamlessly with the original structure, provides climate‑controlled archival rooms for the society’s fragile collections. The house also features a state‑of‑the‑art auditorium, which can accommodate 250 guests for lectures, film screenings, and community events.

“The Filson has always been a place where people can come to see their heritage,” said Mark S. Filson, the society’s executive director. “By moving into this beautiful mansion, we’re not just preserving the building; we’re breathing new life into the story of Kentucky itself.”

Expanding the Filson’s Reach

One of the primary goals of the new location is to broaden the Filson’s public outreach. In its previous downtown space, the society was limited to a single gallery and a handful of lecture rooms. The new mansion, by contrast, offers nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibit space. Curators can now rotate displays more frequently, showcasing a wider array of artifacts—from Civil War memorabilia and Civil Rights era photographs to modern-day inventions. A dedicated “Living History” wing allows visitors to experience interactive exhibits, such as a recreated 1940s kitchen or a 1960s office, that provide context for Kentucky’s evolving culture.

The Filson’s move also signals a strategic partnership with the Louisville City Council and local preservation groups. The society has received a $500,000 grant from the city to fund the restoration and ongoing maintenance of the property. In turn, the city benefits from increased tourism and cultural programming in the Old Louisville neighborhood, a district known for its Victorian homes and historic charm.

“The Filson’s presence here is a win for the community,” said City Councilmember Angela Martinez. “We’re not only preserving an architectural gem but also creating a dynamic space that will educate and inspire residents and visitors alike.”

A Deep Dive Into the Filson Collection

The Filson Historical Society’s collection is one of the largest in the United States dedicated to the history of Kentucky. Its holdings include over 30,000 photographs, 2,500 rare books, and more than 3,000 personal papers. The new mansion offers an opportunity to highlight previously underexposed themes such as women’s suffrage, African American migration, and the evolution of agriculture in the Bluegrass State.

In addition to its permanent collections, the society hosts a rotating series of traveling exhibitions that bring artifacts from other institutions to the Filson’s galleries. The new auditorium will be a venue for keynote speeches and film screenings related to the society’s thematic focus. For instance, a 2024 exhibit on “The Kentucky Coal Wars” drew a record crowd of 3,500 visitors; the new auditorium’s larger capacity will accommodate similar audience sizes in the future.

The Filson also continues its scholarship program, offering fellowships to graduate students and researchers. The new research wing, with its dedicated computer stations and access to digitized archival material, will help facilitate this work. Researchers can now easily access the society’s digital collections—available through the Filson’s online portal—to supplement their on‑site research.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Beyond exhibits and research, the Filson’s new location will host a variety of community events, including guided tours, educational workshops, and heritage festivals. The society’s outreach coordinator, Jenna Brown, plans to launch a “Kentucky Heritage Trail” that encourages visitors to explore other historic sites in the Old Louisville area. This initiative will create partnerships with local schools, museums, and the Louisville Historical Society to promote regional heritage.

The Filson’s long‑term vision includes a phased expansion of its collections. The society is currently digitizing its entire archive, a project that will take several years but will make the Filson’s resources accessible to a global audience. The new mansion’s expanded exhibit space will also allow the society to create immersive displays that tell Kentucky’s stories in new and engaging ways.

Conclusion

The Filson Historical Society’s relocation to an opulent Old Louisville mansion marks a significant moment in the preservation of Kentucky’s cultural heritage. By repurposing a historic home into a modern research and exhibition center, the Filson honors the past while ensuring its relevance for future generations. The new location offers an expanded canvas for scholars, a richer experience for visitors, and a deeper connection between the city’s residents and their shared history. As the Filson continues to grow and adapt, its new home stands as a testament to Louisville’s enduring commitment to preserving the stories that shape its identity.