New museum on American Revolutionary war coming to downtown Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new museum is coming to downtown Louisville that was hundreds of years in the making.

Construction is well underway for what will be downtown Louisville's newest museum, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Education Center and Museum.

Thousands of books line the walls at the Sons of the American Revolution on West Main Street in downtown Louisville. There are hundreds of years of genealogy as well.

"It's here in Louisville, it's not in Philly, not in Boston, not in New York, It's not in Virginia," said Todd Bale, executive director of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. "It's right here, accessible to 80% of U.S. population that can drive within 500 miles."

Sons of the American Revolution museum project walls.jpg — The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in Louisville, Ky. on April 23, 2024.

The society's national public library is next to the museum. It has more than 50,000 books featuring historical lineage from floor to ceiling that has been in downtown for years.

"I didn't know it was here until I began working here, I drove past it probably 100 times," Bale said.

Bale is helping to oversee the new $30 million expansion that will feature high-tech interactive displays, an educational center, a theatre and more. $5 million was recently allocated by the Kentucky General Assembly toward the downtown investment.

"It means a lot that Kentucky believes in us and they are going to celebrate their anniversary and commit to this and invest in that for the public and for the Louisville community."

While books are on display now, thousands of other items are stored waiting for the museum's completion.

Renderings for Sons of the American Revolution Education Center and Museum

The basement has a climate controlled room filled with artifacts from the American Revolution, including a signed document from 1776 by George Washington.

"It's an important part of history to know and preserve and pass onto generations so that's part of your heritage and story if you're an American," Bale said. "It's truly American."

The first phase of the project is expected to open by Fourth of July 2026, followed by full completion in 2027.

National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has raised and committed $21.7 million and plans to raise another $8.3 million for a total fundraising goal of $30 million.