Using the Collections

Visiting The Filson:

  • All visitors must sign the register at the front desk during each visit. Please print your full name and address legibly.
  • Free lockers are available in the basement for all purses, coats, briefcases, backpacks, books, and other personal belongings.
  • Food or drink is not allowed in the reading room or public galleries. Vending machines and a lounge are available on the basement level.
  • Sign out at the front desk before leaving the building.

Reading room rules:

  • All rare book and manuscript material are housed in closed stacks and must be used in the Special Collections reading room located on the third floor. Researchers may request particular items by submitting an appropriate photo ID and call forms to the attendant. Staff will bring the material to the Special Collections reading room.
  • All materials must be read in the research room only and may not be taken from the reading room.
  • Only a pencil, loose sheets of paper, and a laptop are permitted in the manuscript reading room. Under no circumstances may pens be used in the reading room. Everything will be checked when you leave the reading room.
  • Please refrain from cell phone use in the reading room.
  • Research material will not be pulled after 4:30pm.
  • Food or drink is not allowed in the reading room.
  • Use of cameras or scanners is prohibited unless authorized by staff.

Handling the manuscripts:

  • The researcher accepts the responsibility of handling carefully all materials. Manuscripts and books must not be written on, folded, traced over, or handled in any way that may cause damage.
  • Maintain the order of the material. DO NOT shuffle or otherwise rearrange the order of the manuscripts and photographs.
  • Keep the materials flat on the table. DO NOT lean on them or hold them in your hand to read.
  • Ask the staff what procedures to follow regarding photocopies. A photocopy request form must be submitted. Copies are 25 cents per page for letter and legal size, 50 cents for oversized paper. Copies will either be available at the end of the researcher's visit or can be picked up or mailed at a later date. All copies are to remain in the exclusive possession of the researcher.
  • Proper bibliographic and footnote credit is required. Permission to use quotes from manuscripts, or to reproduce photos and prints, must be obtained from the Curator of Special Collections. The preferred form of citation for manuscripts is: specific cite of material as appropriate, collection title as appropriate, The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, KY.
  • For photos and prints, citing The Filson Historical Society is usually sufficient. The researcher is responsible for acquiring any necessary permissions regarding copyright.