Announcements

The Filson Historical Society Amends Reopening Plan

Out of an abundance of caution and considering the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the region, the Filson Historical Society did not reopen for research appointments in September as planned.

Filson collections staff will continue to provide remote research services and work with patrons to meet their research needs. For more information about utilizing the Filson's collections remotely, please contact the Filson via phone at (502) 635-5083 or via email at research@filsonhistorical.org. Voicemails and emails will be returned in a timely manner.

To be added to a list of individuals interested in future research appointments, please email research@filsonhistorical.org with your name and contact information. This list is being maintained by Jennie Cole, Director of Collections Access. Online collections catalogues and resources are available on the Filson's website, filsonhistorical.org/collections.

All programming will continue to be held virtually until further notice. For a list of upcoming virtual events, please visit filsonhistorical.org/events.

The Filson anticipates resuming normal operations based on current protocols and recommendations from the CDC and the state of Kentucky on January 2, 2021. More information will be released in advance of this date.

Questions about the Filson's reopening plan should be directed to Emma Bryan via phone at (502) 635-5083 or by email at emmabryan@filsonhistorical.org.

Artifacts from an ancient civilization come to the US for the first time

Maya: The Exhibition—open through Spring 2021

Immerse yourself in the genius of the Maya–early disrupters living in cities of stone carved into the rainforest. By studying the stars they developed a calendar more accurate than any other in the world. Their discovery of the number zero opened the door for advanced mathematics. Rubber balls were essential to Maya sports centuries before the "discovery" of vulcanized rubber. And they introduced the world to chocolate. Theirs was a civilization of astronomers, mathematicians, inventors and gods.

For the first time in the United States, the mysteries of the Maya come to life. Through over 300 artifacts discover how the Maya live on today–in their inventions that continue to shape our daily lives and in the millions who carry on the Maya tradition in language and lineage.

Maya: The Exhibition is open through Spring 2021 at Cincinnati Museum Center. Learn more at cincymuseum.org/maya.

Exhibit expansion looks to the stars

Cincinnati Museum Center expands Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery

Cincinnati Museum Center is exploring the future of space exploration with the expansion of their Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery, presented by the Harold C. Schott Foundation. The permanent gallery showcases the story of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 mission while also looking forward to a new generation of space pioneers and what they may accomplish as they carry the Apollo 11 legacy forward.

New additions to the gallery include a section reflecting on civilizations throughout history have looked to the stars to tell stories of their myths and legends and to predict cosmic events such as eclipses. Guests also have an opportunity to design their own mission to the International Space Station, the Moon or Mars and use basic coding to drive Mars rovers. Compressed air lets you make craters in a lunar surface and satellite images show in stunning detail the beauty of Earth and humanity's responsibility to protect it. The new additions join historic artifacts including Armstrong's communications cap and inflight jacket from the Apollo 11 mission and a Moon rock collected during the mission. The centerpiece of the gallery is the Galaxy Theater, a 360° degree experience that tells the story of Armstrong, the Apollo 11 mission and the path the Mars.

The Neil Armstrong Space Exploration Gallery is open now at Cincinnati Museum Center. More information can be found at cincymuseum.org/sciencemuseum.

Blog offers inside look at collections and preservation

Off the Shelf

With millions of collection pieces at their fingertips, Cincinnati Museum Center's curators have more stories to tell than can fit on the museum floor. Off the Shelf is a tour inside the stacks of Cincinnati Museum...