The Filson Historical Society has launched the Black Experience Archive, a rebranded initiative to preserve and curate artifacts from and about Black life in the region. The archive has raised $3.5 million to support it through an endowment, with goals to foster conversation in and about the Black community in Louisville and strengthen outreach.
Curating Black History
Dr. Jacqueline Hudson, curator of the Black Experience Archive, said, “Black history is American history, and everybody has a story to tell.” Hudson collects pieces of everyday history, including paintings from local artists, signs from protests following Breonna Taylor’s death, and art from local pioneers.
Patrick Lewis, president and CEO of the Filson Historical Society, said it has been incredible to watch Hudson open exhibits, bring people through the door, and curate programs and community conversations. “You’re able to see two and three generations come together and have that moment where they see their story up on the wall, up in the research library, and that connection is really irreplaceable,” Lewis said.
Hudson says the archive’s collection can serve as a starting point for further research. “Maybe that inspires you to connect with other community members,” she said. “We have an expansive collection of objects that reflect the Black experience, but there’s always room for growth. That’s why I’m here.” Hudson is working on more programming for the upcoming year.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
