Collections · Donate materials
Add to the collection.
The Filson's collections grow because people choose to entrust their family papers, photographs, business records, and objects to a permanent institutional home. Every potential donation gets a personal review by the Department of Curatorial Affairs.
What we collect
Material with Kentucky and Ohio Valley significance.
The Filson collects manuscripts and personal papers, business and organizational records, architectural drawings, maps, photographs, sheet music, rare and reference books, textiles, portraits, decorative arts, ceremonial objects, and the museum objects that bring written records into three dimensions. Geographic focus is Kentucky and the broader Ohio Valley.
We are not a collection of last resort. Curators review each potential donation against the Filson’s collecting scope and existing holdings, and against our capacity to process, store, and provide research access at the standard the institution holds itself to.
Categories of strength
Where the Filson is deep.
Family papers
Personal correspondence, diaries, letters, and the papers of Kentucky and Ohio Valley families across two centuries.
African American history
A permanent priority through the African American History Initiative — family, business, civic, and church records.
Business & organizational
Company records, organizational archives, bourbon and river-trade history, civic and reform papers.
Architecture
Drawings, plats, and the working archives of Louisville architectural firms — a particular regional strength.
Photographs
Daguerreotypes through digital. Family albums, civic life, working-photographer collections.
Jewish history
A dedicated Jewish Collections program, expanded since 2017 with a Curator of Jewish Collections leading the work.
How donation works
From inquiry to deed of gift.
1.
Initial inquiry
Describe what you have — type of material, approximate volume (linear feet, number of items, or boxes), date range, and a sketch of the people, places, or organizations involved. Photos help.
2.
Curatorial review
A curator from Manuscripts, Photographs, or Museum Collections (depending on what you have) reviews the inquiry, may follow up with questions, and decides whether the material fits the collecting scope.
3.
Site visit or shipment
For a yes, we arrange either an in-person visit to look at the material or a shipping plan. The Filson covers reasonable shipping costs for accepted donations.
4.
Deed of gift
A short legal document transferring ownership to the Filson. We’ll provide an itemized acknowledgment for your records; the IRS requires that any appraised value come from your own qualified appraiser, not from the institution receiving the gift.
5.
Cataloging and access
Material enters the cataloging queue. Processing time varies by collection size and complexity. You’ll receive a copy of the finding aid when it’s complete.
To begin
Reach the Department of Curatorial Affairs.
Email Kelly Hyberger, Director of Curatorial Affairs, or call the Filson directly. Please don’t ship material before a curator has reviewed your inquiry.