Greater Louisville Louisville, along with the several Kentcky cities as well as Southern Indiana cities of New Albany, Jeffersonville and Clarksville, make up the Falls Cities, located at the falls of the Ohio River, an area where a swift current races over a dam-like limestone shelf. Early economic development came to pass because this area served as a significant commercial center. As river and railway transportation has given way to more modern means, the Greater Louisville metropolitan area has expanded to included several counties with significant numbers of residents working in Louisville. With acres of lush lawns and array of homes with its affordable cost of living, ability to attract manufacturing to expand the employment base and exceptional location that provides exceptional transportation for goods coming in and going out, it is little wonder that Greater Louisville offers an attractive place to live. Within Louisville and Southern Indiana there is a rich and exciting cultural scene, over 900 churches of all denominations, an exceptionally active college sports community, and a corporate community that is committed to providing quality jobs to improve the lives of its citizens. Louisville is home to over 750,000 people with over 1.2 milion residing in the Greater Louisville area covering both sides of the Ohio River.     History Louisville, the state´s largest city, was established in 1778. It was named for French King Louis XVI in appreciation of French aid during the Revolution. The first town charter was signed by Thomas Jefferson as governor of Virginia, of which Kentucky was a part until 1792.     Economy The area´s many manufacturers of chemicals, electrical appliances, food and beverages, lumber and timber products, printing and publishing, stone and clay products, textiles, tobacco products, auto/truck assmby operations as well being a hub for UPS make for a stable employment atmosphere. Diversity is the key to the area´s economy, as no one industry dominates the economic landscape.   Lifestyles The area is as much known for its corporate environment, breath-taking beauty and cultural offerings as it is for its general tradition. You´re as apt to find opulent homes built in Georgian and Greek Revival styles as you are to find post-modern corporate headquarters designed by world-renowned architects. You can catch a touring Broadway play, or walk through forests filled with chestnuts, black walnuts, butternuts, basswood, hickories and hard maples. A short trip outside of the city puts you on the midst of beautiful fields/farms with its famous bluegrass and absolutely breathtaking horses.   Museums and Galleries Museum of History and Science Exhibits in this renovated century-old Carter Drygoods Building range from the natural geology, flora, and fauna of this region, to space exploration. Children are especially fascinated by the suspended pendulum, the circus exhibit on the second floor, the Egyptian mummy and Kidspace, an interactive science playground. The museum also features the IMAX theatre, which uses state-of-the-art projection and sound systems to present various science, travel and rock-and-roll films. Guided group tours are available and it is handicapped-accessible. The Performing Arts Actors Theatre of Louisville This award winning repertory theatre company is the official state theater of Kentucky. It has two subscription series in its regular season. The Pamela Brown Auditorium Series of seven plays, and the Off-Broadway Series in the Victor Jory Theatre. Actors Theatre also presents the Humana Festival of New Albany Plays in February and March. Several plays, films and exhibits are also a part of the Classics in Contest Festival. Its Christmas offerings are musicals by Peter Ekstrom the Gift of the Magi, adapted from O´Henry´s short story, and Charles Dickens´ A Christmas Carol. Finally, its apprentice intern company presents three free projects a year. One children´s performance and two apprentice showcases. It is handicapped-accessible. Kentucky Center for the Arts In addition to existing as the home theatre for many of the major performing arts groups in town, the KCA also presents a variety of special events and series. Some of these include the Bingham Endowed Series, Lonesome Pine Specials, Travelogue, Midnight Rambles and Southern Circuit Films, as well as other contemporary artists. The Art Center is also the home of many impressive 20th century sculptures. It is handicapped-accessible and aids are offered for the hearing impaired.   Parks and Recreation Kentucky Derby Festival The first Saturday in May is always reserved for the first and most influential leg of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby - the world´s greatest two minutes in thoroughbred racing. A 10-day gala celebration in honor of this Louisville tradition never fails to impress and entertain visitors and locals alike. Events include the Pegasus Parade, the Great Balloon Race, the Steamboat Race, and annual Mini-Marathon and much more. Call 502-584-6383 for details. Churchill Downs As the home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs´ twin spires are known the world over. Breeder´s Cup, the richest day in thoroughbred horse racing, has also been held at Churchill. The track runs in both the fall and spring seasons with about 80 racing days per year. General admission and clubhouse seats are available and it is handicapped-accessible. Kentucky Kingdom More than 60 thrilling rides, special concerts, live shows, games and arcades await you in this mammoth amusement park. Children will love the magic of King Louie´s Playground, designed especially for little ones, and older park-goers will enjoy "Hurricane Bay," a 750,000-gallon wave pool. Louisville Zoo The perfect place for doing "the wild thing." Enjoy over 1,600 of the world´s rarest creatures in open, naturalistic settings. Seasonal events, concerts and festivals entice you to visit often. Located on 73 rolling acres in the heart of Louisville. The Water Tower Now home of the Louisville Visual Art Association and still owned by the Louisville Water Company the Water Tower was Louisville´s first pumping station. The engine house, designed by Theodore Scowden, was modeled in the Greek Revival style, and the 169-foot standpipe tower, with a cupola lookout atop, was fashioned as a Roman triumphal column. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1971, and continues today to be a beacon of architectural excellence in Louisville. Situation on the Ohio River at Zorn Avenue, the Louisville Visual Art Association Water Tower Gallery is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. The Water Tower is available for rental. It is accessible to the handicapped through the side entrance.   Education Enrolling your child in a new school is probably the greatest concern for a new resident. A smooth transition from the old neighborhood and school to new surroundings requires some preparation on the parents´ part. Excellent academic opportunities await Greater Louisville residents, as the various school systems are comprised of a number of first-rate institutions. Jefferson County Public School District encompasses 150 sites providing education for more than 96,000 students in preschool through grade 12. A wide variety of educational, vocational, and special programs is offered throughout the system. In addition, the district offers many early childhood and adult educational opportunities. Magnet and Choice Programs The concept of "magnet" or "choice" schools is not a new one, but one that definitely works well in Jefferson County. A wide variety of special emphasis programs serves the needs, interest, and talents of students and effectively utilizes community resources. Traditional Schools Traditional schools emphasize basic skills instruction at grade level, daily homework, parental involvement and strict dress and discipline codes. Other Special Programs The Jefferson County Public Schools District also provides extensive programming in addition to those schools listed, including Career Development/Technical Education through 14 Magnet Career Academics that enable students to meet academic requirements while specializing in areas such as: Business Entrepreneurship, Graphic Arts, Industrial Chemical Technology, Urban Agriscience, Hospitality, and more. Private Schools A wide variety of private schools, from Montessori to traditional, complement Greater Louisville´s public school system. A number provide bus transportation at an additional cost. Special Education In addition to the extensive Exceptional Child Education (ECE) programs offered by the Jefferson County Public Schools, there are several private schools offering specialized services. More useful Links.......