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The Filson Historical Society — Since 1884

Programs · Gertrude Polk Brown Lecture Series

Major nonfiction authors. In Louisville. At Actors Theatre.

Established in 1993 as a memorial to the life of Gertrude Polk Brown, this series stands as a cornerstone of the Filson's public programming. Since its inception, approximately 50,000 people have connected with the Filson through these lectures.

About the series

The Filson’s anchor lecture program.

Series speakers are chosen based on outstanding achievements in research, writing, and oratory — with a diversity that extends beyond historians to journalists and prize-winning authors. Lectures often draw on materials in the Filson’s collections, but range widely — from local history to global affairs, from twentieth-century events to presidential leadership.

The series is hosted at Actors Theatre of Louisvillefor capacity reasons. Filson members receive priority registration. The series is made possible through the generosity of Gertrude Polk Brown’s children, grandchildren, and other close relatives.

The 2026 Season

Three lectures.

The 2026 season opened in the spring with Paul Sparrow and continues with Karin Wulf in September and Megan Kate Nelson in October.

Cover of Lineage: Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America by Karin Wulf.

September 3, 2026

Actors Theatre of Louisville

Lineage

Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America

Karin Wulf

An evening with historian Karin Wulf on the long history of family, descent, and connection in early America — how genealogical thinking shaped politics, property, and identity from the colonial period forward. Followed by audience Q&A and book signing.

Tickets coming soon
Cover of The Westerners: Mythmaking and Belonging on the American Frontier by Megan Kate Nelson.

October 1, 2026

Actors Theatre of Louisville

The Westerners

Mythmaking and Belonging on the American Frontier

Megan Kate Nelson

An evening with historian Megan Kate Nelson on how the American frontier was made and remade in the imagination — who got to be a westerner, who got to belong, and what those stories did. Followed by audience Q&A and book signing.

Tickets coming soon
Cover of Awakening the Spirit of America: FDR's War of Words with Charles Lindbergh by Paul M. Sparrow.

March 31, 2026

Actors Theatre of Louisville

Awakening the Spirit of America

FDR's War of Words with Charles Lindbergh and the Battle to Save Democracy

Paul M. Sparrow

Paul Sparrow, former director of the FDR Presidential Library, brought to life a largely forgotten but crucial moment in American history when the very existence of democracy hung in the balance. The recording is available on the Filson’s YouTube channel.

Watch the recording

Recordings

The 2025 season, on YouTube.

Filson members and visitors can watch full recordings of the 2025 Gertrude Polk Brown lectures on the Filson’s YouTube channel, free of charge.

Tickets and member priority

Filson members hear first.

Filson members receive priority registration before public ticket release for each lecture. Membership starts at $30 for educators and students. To be added to the announcement list without joining, email the Filson directly.