Laying the Foundation: The Architecture of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The National Museum of Racing was founded in 1950 by a group of prominent individuals within the sport of thoroughbred racing to be “a permanent home for the important memorabilia for the sport.” Saratoga Springs, home of historic Saratoga Race Course, proved to be the ideal location. The Museum made its public debut in a temporary location at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park on August 6, 1951. Under Walter Jeffords’ presidency, a new Georgian red brick building designed by New York City architect Auguste L. Noel was constructed on Union Avenue, directly across the street from Saratoga Race Course. New York Governor W. Averell Harriman presided over the formal dedication during the 1955 Saratoga racing season. The National Museum of Racing opened to the public in its permanent home on June 2, 1956.
This exhibit will explore how the Museum has grown since its founding. Major additions included the West Wing in 1957, the Walter M. Jeffords Memorial Wing in 1960, the George D. Widener Memorial Wing in 1978, and the Paul Mellon Wing in 2000. The Museum has evolved with the times while staying true to its mission of preserving and promoting the history of thoroughbred racing in America and continues to inspire racing fans and new audiences.
