The Filson is Kentucky’s largest privately supported historical society with research collections documenting the history and culture of Kentucky, the Ohio Valley, and the Upper South. The collections include rare books, maps, and 2.1 million manuscripts in addition to extensive collections for the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A large nineteenth-century portrait collection as well as over 100,000 photographs and fine prints provide visual images for all periods.
FILSON INSTITUTE
Eligibility: Scholars at any career stage whose research engages with the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.
The Filson Institute is a one-week immersive program for a cohort of five fellows. It provides a $2,000 stipend for onsite research, travel, lodging, and participation in a public roundtable. Fellows engage deeply with Filson collections, collaborate with editorial staff from Ohio Valley History, and are encouraged to prepare their work for inclusion in a thematic issue of the journal. The 2025 Institute theme reflects on 25 years of Ohio Valley History and explores evolving regional perspectives in advance of America250 in 2026. The residency takes place June 23–27, 2025, and is open to applicants working across disciplines and time periods, provided they can demonstrate a connection to the Filson’s holdings.
Fellowship Website:
https://filsonhistorical.org/about-us/fellowships/#researchfellow