See the New Out of the Archives Exhibit at the Louisville Water Tower

Each year, thousands of students, group tours, and residents visit the Louisville Water Tower to learn Louisville’s drinking water story.

Historic Preservation Month is recognized during May. Over the years, the Pumping Station and Louisville Water Tower have withstood devastating floods, tornadoes, freezing winters, and hot summers.

Despite the destruction, we’ve worked hard to preserve the beauty and monumental function our founders, Theodore Scowden and Charles Hermany, intended.

To honor these efforts, the Louisville Water unveiled a new Out of the Archives exhibit in the WaterWorks Museum during the May community open date.

The exhibit outlines the various repairs, remodeling, and additions that have enhanced the space over the years. For example, in our most recent renovation, acoustic panels were added inside the Grand Hall to improve the sound for events.

“The recent flood was a powerful reminder that our historic landmarks aren’t just structures, they’re symbols of our shared history,” said Megan Jones, Louisville Water Tower supervisor of event operations. “Protecting these places ensures the stories they hold can continue to be told for generations to come.”

In addition to the renovations, Pumping Station No. 1 and the Water Tower were used for many purposes. By 1936, the landmark was unused and faced demolition until it was turned into a company garage and eventually an art gallery.

By 2014, Louisville Water regained ownership and opened the WaterWorks Museum.

Today, Louisville Water is committed to preserving this National Historic Landmark as it symbolizes the quality and innovation the company has embodied for more than 160 years.

You can see the exhibit for yourself at our next open date on Sunday, June 8 from 12 to 5 p.m. Tours occur at the top every hour until 4 p.m.

On the tour, you’ll see the current Ohio River pumping station (which still includes an Allis Chalmers steam engine), and step inside the oldest ornamental water tower in the country.

Tickets range in price from $3 to $5. You can reserve your spot online, but tickets must be purchased at the door with a credit card only. All guests must present a government-issued ID.