Filson Historical Society Adds Space and Storage to its Famous Footprint

Founded in 1884, the Filson Historical Society has stayed true to its mission of helping preserve and celebrate the people, events and items that have helped shape the history of Kentucky. As time passes, the collection grows. Thirty years after moving into Old Louisville’s Ferguson Mansion, the stacks were packed with cherished items, including artwork, firearms, and maps. Bursting at the seams with treasures, the Society’s museum needed to add storage space in a way that was smart, planned and purposeful.

Once it was decided that changes locations outright was out of the question, Filson curators worked with architects and Patterson Pope to help devise the ideal storage plan to house the current collections, as well as plan for continued growth. From the very earliest days of design, the inclusion of high-density compact collection storagewas always part of the plan to help make the most of the available space. Added in various areas of the museum’s newest building, it was just part of the overall expedition.