The Brennan House (1868) is a Victorian mansion in downtown Louisville that is filled with an entirely original family collection. It is listed on the National Register and is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization open to the public.

It was a time when horse-drawn carriages clip-clopped their way around downtown. When the stage of the old Macauley's on Walnut played host to some of the country's finest artists. When Fifth St. was lined with homes reflecting the grace and ease of the times. This was Louisville in the 19th century.

Today, the Brennan House remains virtually untouched since that Victorian era, an authentic keepsake of the 19th century.

Occupied as late as 1969, the Brennan House dates from 1868. Thomas Brennan, a native of Ireland and a prominent inventor of the day, moved into the six-bedroom house with his wife, Anna Bruce, in 1884. They had nine children, eight of whom survived into adulthood and grew up in the house.

The Brennan family was extremely close-knit. The center of activity was always the family home, but the Brennans also mingled with Louisville society and travelled widely. In fact, there was hardly ever a time when some member of the family was not in Europe. Souvenirs of their trips are still very much in evidence all through the house, from furniture to bric-a-brac.

Two of the sons became doctors. One of them, Dr. J. A. O. Brennan, added a waiting room, office and examining room as a north wing to the house in 1912. Others moved to New York, including one son who became treasurer of the New York Yankees. By 1962, only four Brennans remained, two having returned from New York to live with Doctor Brennan. Out of eight children, three married and they were all childless. The last Brennans moved from the house in 1969 and it was presented in the family's name to The Filson Club.

Elaborate crystal and etched-glass chandeliers are to be found in the house, as well as a signed Tiffany lamp. (The Brennans were among the first in Louisville to have electric lights). Stained-glass coats-of-arms by Louisville artist Bernard Alberts, massive hand-carved dining room and bedroom furniture, ornate silver service. a collection of family portraits, steamer trunks containing memorabilia of world travels and a library containing richly-bound volumes are just some of the many treasures awaiting the visitor to the Brennan House.