Support the Filson

Make a gift.

Every gift, of any size, keeps the Filson open and the collections accessible. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law — the Filson is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Give now

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Frequency

One timeMonthly

Designation (optional)

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In honor of, or in memory of (optional)

Notes for the development team (optional)

Submitting begins your gift — the Filson’s development team will follow up by email within one business day with a secure-payment link to complete your contribution. The Filson Historical Society is a 501(c)(3); EIN 61-0444690, and your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Prefer to give immediately? Use the Filson’s secure online giving page— for unrestricted gifts that don’t need a designation, the transaction completes instantly and a tax receipt is emailed automatically.

The 1884 Society

Leadership giving at $1,000+

A distinguished group of members supporting the Filson at the highest level. Four named tiers — Shelby, Clark, Filson, York — with escalating benefits.

Join the 1884 Society

Planned giving

Include the Filson in your estate plan

Bequests, charitable trusts, and beneficiary designations from retirement accounts — gifts that underwrite the Filson for the generations after you.

Planned giving options

Stock & IRA

Gifts of stock and IRA distributions

Appreciated securities and qualified charitable distributions from an IRA can offer significant tax advantages. Email Brenna Cundiff for transfer instructions.

brenna@filsonhistorical.com

Adopt an artifact

Underwrite a specific item's conservation

Pick a quilt, a daguerreotype, an architectural drawing, or a manuscript — your gift covers its full conservation, with your name on the record.

See the current list

Sporting Clay Classic

The Filson's outdoor fundraiser

A day at Ashbourne Farms each October — sporting clays, lunch, and a reception. Squad and station sponsorships available.

About the Classic

Annual House Tour

One day inside Louisville's private historic homes

The 32nd Annual House Tour returns September 27, 2026. Patron tickets, presenting sponsorships, and brochure recognition available.

About the House Tour

Corporate & matching

Workplace giving and sponsorship

Corporate sponsorships of exhibits, programs, and signature events — and many employers match charitable gifts.

Contact Brenna Cundiff

Or become a member

Annual membership starts at $30.

Members get publications, free research time, and priority registration for lectures — while underwriting the same operating budget your one-time gift would.

See membership tiers