Originally installed in 2009, the McConnell Chao Archives includes a permanent gallery in with exhibits, films and interactive displays about U.S. government, history and politics. This new expansion significantly enhances both the capacity and functionality of the facility with a newly constructed archive storage room to house the collections of McConnell and Chao, which includes 3,768 individual items.

The contemporary space also includes high-density shelving and meets archival standards to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility. Additionally, the project features a newly dedicated digital processing room, the creation of a new research carrel and the installation of a dedicated exhibit showcasing memorabilia related to McConnell.

鈥淪enator McConnell and Secretary Chao have long held a special place in the life of our university, and the expansion of this archive marks yet another milestone in a shared history rooted in service, scholarship and civic leadership,鈥� said UofL President Gerry Bradley. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a record of political history 鈥� it鈥檚 a living resource for students, scholars and citizens who seek to understand and engage with the democratic process.鈥�

鈥淚 want to sincerely thank the University of Louisville and the McConnell Center for their hard work, dedication and continued support in preserving and sharing the McConnell Chao Archives. This collection represents decades of public service and provides a front-row view of how our government and institutions operate,鈥� said Senator McConnell. 鈥淏y preserving these materials, we鈥檙e helping foster a deeper understanding of our nation鈥檚 political process and the importance of civic engagement. The expansion of the archives marks a continued investment in passing on the lessons of government, leadership and media engagement with the hope of igniting the next generation to take part in shaping the future of our democracy.鈥�

鈥淲hat a memorable day this is to celebrate the expansion of the McConnell Chao Archives at the University of Louisville,鈥澨齭aid Secretary Chao.听鈥淚n chronicling my life journey of coming as an immigrant to America, working in leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofits sectors, this collection will hopefully serve as an inspiration to current and future generations of the opportunities in this country and the myriad ways to contribute to the betterment of our beloved Commonwealth, nation and world.鈥�

McConnell is Kentucky鈥檚 longest-serving senator and earlier this year completed his tenure as the longest-serving Senate party leader in American history. Chao, the first Asian American woman to serve in a cabinet-level position, has served as secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Transportation.

The senator graduated from UofL in 1964 and served as a student body president. In 1991, he established the McConnell Center, a nonpartisan academic program that prepares students and educators to become top-level leaders.听

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, McConnell has secured over $1.26 billion in federal funding for research and infrastructure at Kentucky universities, including $413 million for the University of Louisville. The expansion of the McConnell Chao Archives was funded in part through private donor philanthropy.

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