The Filson Historical Society Sheet Music Collection
The Filson maintains a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century sheet music. Numbering some 4,700 items, much of the collection reflects the popular music of the day, such as patriotic marches, homesick laments, or romantic ballads. The collection is heavily concentrated thematically on Kentucky and the Civil War.
Highlights from the collection include several selections by Kentucky's own Stephen Foster, and Louisville's William Shakespeare Hays.
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Indeces of the general sheet music collection and the Walter Barney Sheet Music Collection can be accessed online and in the department.
A partial listing, primarily containing Civil War themed music, can also be found on The Filson's online catalog.
For assistance with searching within the sheet music database, please consult our research tools. Queries should be directed to the Special Collections staff.
We want to preserve your history!
If you have sheet music that you would like to donate to The Filson, we want to hear from you. Please contact Special Collections Curator James Holmberg by email or at (502) 634-8846 for more information on how to donate to The Filson's collections.
