The Filson Historical Society’s fellowships encourage the scholarly use of the Filson’s nationally significant collections. There are a variety of fellowships tailored to scholars, students, community members, and artists.
Filson Institute (formerly Research Fellowships)
Are you ready to dive into a transformative research experience? The Filson Historical Society invites you to apply for the 2025 Filson Institute, a one-week immersive program designed to spark innovation, foster connections, and drive impactful research on topics related to the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.
What Awaits You?
Intensive Research Opportunities: From June 23-27, 2025, join a select cohort of five fellows at the Filson’s campus in Louisville, Kentucky. Engage deeply with our world-class manuscript, print, photo, and museum collections, guided by our expert archival and curatorial staff.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside the Ohio Valley History journal editorial team, and benefit from their insights to shape your research for publication. Our program is tailored to support your academic and professional growth.
Generous Stipend: Receive a $2,000 stipend to cover your travel and lodging expenses. We believe in supporting our fellows fully, so you can focus on what matters most—your research.
Networking and Connections: Enjoy three arranged meals, designed to foster relationships among fellows and regional scholars, students, and community knowledge-holders. Build a network that will last beyond the fellowship week.
Public Research Roundtable: Conclude the week with a public roundtable on June 27, where you’ll share your findings and discuss their relevance to contemporary regional and national issues. This platform not only highlights your work but also enriches public understanding.
Pathway to Publication: Our cohort will be encouraged to contribute to a thematic issue of Ohio Valley History, with editorial support throughout the process, culminating in a scheduled publication in late 2026.
Inclusive Topics: Your projects belong here. The theme of the 2025 Filson Institute is reflecting on 25 years of Ohio Valley History. How has this unique regional framework facilitated scholarship? What perspectives remain underrepresented? How have understandings of American regionalism evolved since 2000? Approaching America250 in 2026, how are Kentucky and its neighboring states uniquely situated to tell a compelling national story that breaks up popular and scholarly conventions about North, South, West, urban, and rural?
Unleashed Creativity: Proposals should creatively address the theme. We welcome applicants working on various topics and time periods, as long as they can demonstrate a connection to the Filson collections. The Filson Institute seeks a diverse array of eras, topics, voices, and methodologies to create a thought-provoking and inclusive cohort.
Transformative Cohort: This is your chance to join a vibrant community of scholars, each bringing unique perspectives and insights. Apply now and be part of a dynamic fellowship that promises to deepen your research and expand your horizons.
Apply to Transform Your Research Journey!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to advance your research, connect with fellow scholars, and contribute to significant regional and national discourse. Apply now and become a part of the Filson Institute 2025—a week that promises to be intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.
Contact Jennie Cole, Director of Collections Access, for more information (gro.l1744305563aciro1744305563tsihn1744305563oslif1744305563@eloc1744305563j1744305563 or 502-653-5083)
Timeline
Full Call for Proposals: January 2025
Applications Due: March 1, 2025
Notification of Award: March 28, 2025
Cohort Week In-Person Only: June 23-27, 2025
Full application instructions can be found here. To view a list of accommodations close to the Filson, click here. Recent past Fellowship recipients and their research topics can be found here (click to access PDF).
History Inspires Fellowship
History Inspires: Artists Interpret The Filson’s Collection with a Creative Filter
Purpose
The History Inspires Fellowship (HIF) provides artists and makers an opportunity to explore the Filson’s collections as inspiration for a creative project. The HIF program spotlights the Filson’s collections and how these items are utilized by creative people in the contemporary art world.
Background
The Filson has a long tradition of documenting the history of art and artists working in the Ohio River Valley. In recent years, the Filson has been building relationships with regional artists, through the artists’ donations of materials to our collection and by supporting research for creative projects. The History Inspires Fellowship (HIF) program will build upon those established relationships by promoting the Filson Historical Society as a resource for artistic scholarly research and inspiration, thus strengthening our bond with the creative community. The HIF program will further the Filson’s mission to collect, preserve, and share the stories of Kentucky and Ohio Valley history and culture by making history relevant in today’s world.
Project Description
The History Inspires Fellowship program will provide innovative people in the contemporary art world access to the Filson’s collections. This is not limited to visual artists, but all creative folk; makers, musicians, poets, quilters, dancers, etc. Creatives of all types using any medium for self-expression are invited to submit a project proposal stating what they plan to research using the Filson’s collections and how our materials will help them produce a body of work.
Compensation
Up to three applicants may be selected for the program at the discretion of the fellowship committee. For participating in the program, History Inspires Fellows will each be financially compensated for their time spent doing research at the Filson and presenting their project to Filson audiences. While fellows may use their funds towards materials, the stipend is not intended to cover the cost of materials for the project, merely to be compensation for time spent on research that is conducted at the Filson.
Final Project and HIF Biennial Exhibit
Each HIF project will conclude with some form of public program to celebrate and share their research work. This can take the form of exhibits outside of the Filson, lectures, performances, publications, or other formats to be determined by individual fellows with support and guidance from the Fellowship program leaders.
In conjunction with the Final Project each Fellow is asked to participate in a Biennial History Inspires Fellowship exhibition at the Filson. The first exhibit will be hosted in 2026 with the goal of featuring several of the artists’ creative works alongside collection items that were used as inspiration for their project. Filson staff will be leading the exhibit but will draw on the help of each individual fellow.
Please note any work created during the fellowship process is owned 100% by the maker. The Filson does require rights to document and publicize your project and public event for marketing purposes.
Guidelines
Deadline for submission of materials is October 17, 2024 by 4pm for projects to start in 2025.
Written materials should not exceed 3 single-spaced pages (including cover sheet, but not attachments).
Submit by emailing materials in PDF format to gro.l1744305563aciro1744305563tsihn1744305563oslif1744305563@seri1744305563psniy1744305563rotsi1744305563h1744305563.
Prior to submitting applications, individuals are strongly encouraged to explore the Filson’s website, specifically the “Collections and Research” page and to contact Filson’s Collections Department to learn more about which items might enhance their creative project. For assistance in determining relevancy of materials in the collections; please reach out to gro.l1744305563aciro1744305563tsihn1744305563oslif1744305563@hcra1744305563eser1744305563.
A committee of reviewers will consider each applicant’s materials and awards will be based on their rankings. The committee will select up to 3 fellows per year.
For more information on the application process, consult the History Inspires Fellowship Guidelines (PDF).
To learn about past cohorts of the History Inspires Fellowship program visit here.
Community History Fellows Program
The Filson’s Community History Fellows Program brings together history advocates from diverse backgrounds and different parts of Louisville. Fellows meet regularly at the Filson to explore topics and tools in historical research, documentation, and interpretation. Fellows use these methods in real time by developing individual history projects of enduring value to their home communities.
For more information on past cohorts of the Community History Fellows Program cohorts visit here.
David Armstrong History Fellowship Award
To Dave Armstrong, history was not just interesting, it was essential. He believed that an understanding of the past provided the best foundation for future success. His undergraduate degree in history from Murray State University provided him with such a foundation, paving the way for a successful career serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky. David Armstrong served as Attorney General of Kentucky (1984-1988) and Mayor of Louisville (1999-2003). Now, thanks to a program created in his honor, students have a new opportunity to connect with history at the Filson Historical Society.
The David Armstrong History Fellows program will provide up to 100 free Filson Historical Society family memberships to students. Targeted high school students are in Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Floyd, and Clark counties.
To apply for a High School David Armstrong History Fellow Award:
- Students complete an application available on the Filson website. Download your application form here!
- Obtain signature from a school representative and a parent/guardian.
- Submit the application by email to Kate Wanke or mail to The Filson, 1310 S. 3rd, Louisville, KY 40208.
To apply for a College or Graduate David Armstrong History Fellow Award:
Teachers should encourage students to apply for this free family membership quickly, as awards will be given out to eligible students in the order received.
David Armstrong History Fellows will receive special benefits including: a year-long family membership to The Filson ($120 value), free admission to educational programs, career exploration, and assistance in conducting research in The Filson’s library and special collections. Fellows will also be invited to attend a special behind-the-scenes tour.
David Armstrong History Fellows award applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Fellows will be notified when their application is accepted. Fellows’ membership benefits will run for a full calendar year from the date that their application is accepted.
This program is the result of donations to the Filson in memory of David Armstrong.
