LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Retiring Congressman John Yarmuth (D) is donating all of his congressional papers to the University of Louisville's archives, the school announced Thursday.
What You Need To Know
- Rep. John Yarmuth is donating all of his congressional papers to the University of Louisville
- The longtime Democratic congressman is retiring next month after 16 years in Washington
- The Louisville native and Atherton grad has served as Chairman of the House Budget Committee since 2019
Yarmuth represented Kentucky's 3rd Congressional District for 16 years in Washington. As he's set to retire next month, his collection of congressional papers will be donated to UofL's University Archives and Special Collections.
“At its core, everything I’ve done in Congress has been about serving the Louisville community, so I can think of no final act more fitting than turning over this historical record to our flagship university,” Yarmuth said. “In the hands of University of Louisville’s students, faculty and staff, I’m hopeful that my work will continue to serve the community for generations to come.”
The Louisville native and Atherton grad has served as Chairman of the House Budget Committee since 2019. He's worked on consequential education improvements, health care expansions and more during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
“For 16 years, John Yarmuth worked tirelessly to represent the interests of the people of the Third District including the University of Louisville,” said UofL Interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “We are thrilled that the documentation of this service will be housed at the University of Louisville for future researchers to draw upon."
The collection comprises both digital and paper materials, including documentation that traces Yarmuth’s time in the House of Representatives. Included are working drafts of legislation he sponsored, correspondence, recorded interviews and a multitude of other materials that trace his Congressional record. University of Louisville archivist Heather Fox worked closely with the House Archivist at the U.S. House of Representatives to prepare the transfer.
Yarmuth’s contributions to UofL include serving as a visiting professor for several semesters. The Yarmuth family also established the Yarmuth Book Award endowment in 1987 in honor of his father Stanley Yarmuth that awards a book, chosen by a UofL committee, to qualifying high school juniors throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.