Archives—Research Resources & Links

Resources for Local History

Check the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) and local bookstores for publications on Louisville and Kentucky history. LFPL also is a good source for accessing local general circulation newspapers published in Louisville since the nineteenth century. 

There are three major local repositories of primary sources:

  • The University of Louisville's (UofL's) Archives and Special Collections is located in the Ekstrom Library (main library) building on the university's main campus, Belknap Campus.
  • The Filson Historical Society, a private society maintaining a library and other resources devoted to the history of Louisville and the region, is located at 1310 South Third Street in Old Louisville.
  • Louisville Metro Archives and Records contains the records of the current Louisville Metro Government and its predecessors, the City of Louisville and Jefferson County government. Its office is located at 635 Industry Road (at the intersection of Seventh Street).

Resources for Other Local Schools

The JCPS Archives and Records Center records the history of the district and other former public school districts in the Louisville metro area. For information on other local schools, investigate the following resources:

  • Anchorage Independent School District—This is an independent public school district in Jefferson County with one school educating kindergarten through eighth grade. In the first part of the twentieth century, the Anchorage School included high school.
  • Catholic schools—Check with existing schools about their records and histories. For information on tracing former schools’ records, contact the Archdiocese of Louisville Office of Lifelong Formation and Education at (502) 448-8581.
  • Other private schools—Check with existing schools about their records and histories. To trace former schools, check with any affiliated institution, such as a church or successor school.
  • Some black students from Jefferson County attended the Lincoln Institute in Simpsonville (Shelby County) when it was in operation. The Lincoln Institute was a state institution. Check with the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives for information on its records.

Resources for Remote Researchers

Researchers unable to visit to conduct research may ask friends or relatives to visit on their behalf or employ an independent local researcher. UofL maintains a list of local researchers online. Anyone wishing to visit should contact the JCPS Archives in advance to make an appointment and discuss the resources he or she wishes to consult.