Exciting Exhibit Showcases Unsung Heroes of Horse Racing in Aiken

Exciting Exhibit Hits Aiken: Honor the Unsung Heroes of Horse Racing

Hey there, Aiken! Are you ready for something truly special? We’ve got some fantastic news for you! The Keeneland Library’s amazing traveling exhibit, The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers, is making a stop at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum! This incredible showcase will be on display until January 17, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

Step Back in Time

Imagine walking through the doors of the museum and stepping back in time to the mid-1800s. The exhibit shines a spotlight on the vibrant lives and careers of 100 African American horsemen and women who have shaped the thoroughbred racing industry. From celebrated jockeys to essential caretakers and trainers, these pioneers have played a crucial role in making the racing world what it is today.

The exhibit is a feast for the eyes! With one-of-a-kind photographs taken from the Keeneland Library’s extensive collections, you’ll see snapshots of history that you won’t find anywhere else. Each picture tells a story, and the biographical vignettes included with the exhibit truly honor the legacies of these trailblazers. Can you feel the excitement? We can!

A Historical Treasure Trove

Now, let’s talk a little bit about the Keeneland Library itself. Established way back in 1939, this isn’t just any library—it’s the world’s largest repository dedicated to the thoroughbred industry and is open to the public! Imagine browsing through over 30,000 books dating from the late 1500s and over 5 million photographic negatives and prints from the late 1800s. This place is a goldmine for anyone interested in horse racing history!

In 2002, the library even received the Special Eclipse Award for its invaluable contributions to the racing world. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or simply curious about our local history, this exhibit promises to engage and inspire everyone!

An Educational Journey

Since launching in 2023, the The Heart of the Turf exhibit has already reached over 85,000 youth and adults across Kentucky. Now, it’s making its way to Aiken, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this educational experience with our community. It’ll be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the significant contributions of African Americans in the racing industry.

Visiting Details

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame is open during regular hours for you to come check out this remarkable exhibit. Here are the details:

• Tuesday to Friday: 2 PM – 5 PM
• Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday: 2 PM – 5 PM

And the best part? Admission is absolutely free! How great is that? So grab the family, invite your friends, and plan a visit to the Hall of Fame located inside the lush Hopelands Gardens at 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC.

Get In Touch!

If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can give them a call at 803-643-2121, shoot an email to halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov, or check out their website at aikenracinghalloffame.com. They’d love to hear from you!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your family and friends and dive into this wonderful piece of history. Let’s honor those who paved the way in the racing world and celebrate their incredible stories together! See you there!