The Filson Historical Society
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
The Filson Club Historical Society. Founded in 1884 and named for John Filson (1753-88), Kentucky's first historian, this institution collects, preserves, and publishes historical material pertaining to Ky. and adjoining states. The collections of books, manuscripts, art, photographs, and artifacts are available to everyone. Over. (Reverse) The Ferguson Residence - At the time the most expensive home in Louisville, the residence was built for businessman Edwin Hite Ferguson (1852-1924) between 1902 and 1905 and is the finest example of residential Beaux Arts architecture in the city. In 1986 it became the headquarters for The Filson Club Historical Society.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Founded in 1884 and named for John Filson, Kentucky's first historian, this institution has spent well over a century collecting and publishing the manuscripts, books, art, and artifacts of Kentucky and its neighbors. Since 1986 it has been housed in the Ferguson residence, a Beaux Arts mansion built between 1902 and 1905 for businessman Edwin Hite Ferguson and once the most expensive home in Louisville.
Why it matters
As one of the oldest historical societies in the region, the Filson preserves the primary records that make Kentucky's past knowable at all—the raw material of American memory.
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Related people
- · John Filson
- · Edwin Hite Ferguson
Themes & tags
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