Legacy Giving

Black Text on Gray background. Words read: Your legacy gift to the Filson Historical Society ensures that the history and culture of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley will be preserved and shared for years to come.

Thruston Legacy Circle

Since our founding in 1884, the Filson has relied on the strong support of generations of individuals who recognize the importance of the Filson’s mission. By making a legacy gift, you become a part of the Thruston Legacy Circle, a group of civic minded leaders that creates a lasting impact on our community. The Thruston Legacy Circle is an honorary society established in 2015 to recognize those who have followed the example of R.C. Ballard Thruston by including the Filson in their estate plans.

Thruston Legacy Circle members are recognized in Filson publications, if they so choose, and are invited to special events throughout the year.

Please let us know if you have included the Filson Historical Society in your estate planning so that we may thank you.

Preserve History for Tomorrow!

Benefits of Legacy Giving

A legacy gift is a simple way to make an impact and preserve our history for future generations. Depending on the type of legacy gift you choose to make, you may also benefit from a charitable tax deduction. Below are common forms of legacy gifts to consider.

A Gift in Your Will or Living Trust

A gift in your will or living trust allows you to retain your assets during your lifetime and may allow your estate to benefit from a charitable tax deduction. A gift can be included in your will when it is written or added through a simple codicil or amendment. You may leave a specific amount to the Filson or a percentage of your estate.

Below is sample language that can be used to add the Filson to your last will and testament.

“I give and bequeath to the Filson Historical Society, Inc., presently of 1310 S. 3^rd Street,

Louisville, KY 40208, the sum of $ or % to be used for its general support.”

Beneficiary Designations

A simple way to leave a legacy gift is to name the Filson on a retirement plan or life insurance policy. Many supporters choose to name the Filson as a beneficiary for all or a specified percentage of their IRA, 401k, 403b, or other retirement plan. Supporters can also choose to designate the Filson as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy that is no longer needed for their family. These assets will pass directly to the Filson Historical Society without going through the probate process. Your retirement plan or life insurance administrator will have the appropriate form to add the Filson as a beneficiary.

Tax Information

The Filson Historical Society is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a private, nonprofit 501c3, subset 509a1. The Filson’s federal tax ID (EIN) is 61-0444690.

Please note that the Filson Historical Society does not issue tax receipts for gifts legally made from Donor Advised Funds. The Donor Advised Fund handles these receipts.

Credit: Clinton Spaulding, StoryPoint Prospect

Contact Us

If you have or are considering leaving a legacy gift for the benefit of the Filson Historical Society, please contact us today. We look forward to welcoming you to the Thruston Legacy Circle.

Brenna Cundiff, Director of Development, (502) 634-7408, 1310 S. 3^rd Street Louisville, KY 40208

Email Brenna Cundiff

Visit the Filson

Open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm

The Filson is closed to the Public the 3rd Friday of every month.

The Filson will be closed to the public for a winter shutdown starting on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, reopening on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

1310 S. 3rd St., Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 635-5083

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The Research Library is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30pm; we are closed on the third Friday of each month. Appointments are not required, but feel free to reserve a seat online – learn more here. We also provide remote research services; please email gro.l1730896968aciro1730896968tsihn1730896968oslif1730896968@hcra1730896968eser1730896968.

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