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Filson Historical Society: Shantyboat Life on the Ohio


  • The Filson Historical Society, Bingham Gallery 1310 South Third Street Louisville, KY United States (map)

From the 1850s to the 1950s Louisville had a thriving shantyboat community by the outlet of Beargrass Creek. The exhibition documents the community and its underground economy that depended on fishing, basket making and harvesting mussel shells for buttons as well as other aspects of river life, such as showboats.  Media include print, painting, drawing and film.