Katy Delahanty

Katy Delahanty, Executive Director of the Portland Museum, is a passionate advocate for community, equity, and social justice. Deeply connected to the Portland neighborhood where her Irish ancestors settled in the mid-1800s, Katy’s work is rooted in her heritage and commitment to her community. As the granddaughter of civil rights activists Dolores and Robert Delahanty, she continues their legacy with determination and compassion. After graduating from Cooper Union in New York City, Katy returned to Portland, restoring a historic home and immersing herself in the neighborhood’s vibrant history. Her dedication to community engagement includes serving on Governor-appointed boards such as the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Art Therapists and Mayor-appointed boards like the Waterfront Development Corporation. Katy is also a member of the boards for the U.S. Marine Hospital, Portland Now, Louisville Public Library Foundation, and Louisville Public Media’s Community Advisory Committee, where she serves as Vice President and is a KY Colonel. She contributes internationally as a board member of the IKT Congress. Recognized as a Change-maker by The Louisville Defender and featured on Creative Capital’s Artists shortlist in 2022, Katy’s work is a testament to her vision and impact. Katy’s leadership extends to over a decade of experience in facilitation and mediation and 15 years of advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Her transformative efforts include spearheading the capital campaign for the Adventure House of You (AHOY), Louisville’s first children’s museum, which begins construction in 2025. By raising over $2 million, Katy has helped make this innovative, interactive play space a reality, revitalizing a historic Victorian home and creating a hub of imagination and inclusivity.