University Louisville Expands McConnell Chao Archives

The University of Louisville has expanded the McConnell-Chao Archives at its Ekstrom Library to better preserve and showcase decades of public service by Senator Mitch McConnell and Secretary Elaine Chao. Originally established in 2009, the archive now includes over 3,700 boxes of documents, artifacts, and additional workspaces designed to meet high archival standards, including a new storage room, digital processing room, and research carrel. McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader, and Chao, the first Asian American woman to serve in a cabinet-level position, both expressed gratitude during the expansion ceremony, emphasizing the archive's role in educating future leaders and preserving political history. The archive offers a permanent public gallery and serves as a vital resource for students, scholars, and citizens to understand and engage with the democratic process. While the full expanded archive is not yet open to the public, tours were available during the event. University of Louisville President Gerry Bradley highlighted the expansion as a significant milestone that strengthens the university’s commitment to civic education and public service scholarship.