The Kentucky Historical Society has named Lousiville Water's Water Works Museum project as a 2015 Outstanding Education/Exhibit Initiative for history. Louisville Water was one of six Kentucky organizations/businesses to receive the honor during the Society’s annual meeting last month in Frankfort. 

The Kentucky Historical Society’s education awards go to programs that have shown evidence of educational and historical value, have benefitted the organization’s community, and have displayed viable community support through public participation.

The Water Works Museum opened in March 2014 inside Louisville Water’s original pumping station, which is a national historic landmark. Louisville Water created the museum as part of a restoration of the 1860 building with design from Solid Light, a local firm specializing in visitor experiences.

The museum takes visitors on a journey that combines the history, science and technology of Louisville Water Company and illustrates water’s connection to the community. By comparing history with present-day values, the museum explores the company’s ongoing innovations in delivering safe drinking water.

The idea for a museum came about after the publication of a 2010 book on the company’s history and an exhibit at Frazier History Museum that highlighted the company’s 150th anniversary.

Education is at the core of the museum, both for school children and walk-in guests. Louisville Water already had a school-based education program in place, and now many schools combine a classroom experience with a visit to the Water Works Museum. More than 60 schools have visited the museum for a field trip.

The restored space also lets Louisville Water host rental events and special education opportunities with community partners.

More than 40,000 people have visited the site since March 2014.