Patrick Donley discovered a 19th century midden (dump) beneath his warehouse/studio, thanks to a groundhog named Phyllis. He’s been excavating and photographing the finds since 2019.

Donley has unearthed literally thousands of household items that were deposited at the Mary Street site by nearby families and businesses in Germantown. The dump was active from the 1870’s until 1920 when the Herman Poll storage warehouse was constructed atop the bits and shards of history.

And now, the warehouse will become a museum that will house the 19th and early 20th century artifacts unearthed from this neighborhood midden. Through its permanent collection and revolving exhibitions partnered with related entities, the Museum will serve as an educational institution, living memorial and bridge between today’s world and working-class immigrant American life at the dawn of the 20th century. The Mary Street Midden is rich with clues about the last pandemic, the history of Louisville distilling and brewing, the early glass manufacture for beverages, pharmacy tinctures, and good old fashioned snake oils. Dinnerware, toys and tools all tell a story about everyday existence. Through the exploration of the refuse of the past, we will gain greater insight into how our waste impacts the world today.