Bill Landes and Del Lowell participate in a Q&A panel opening night of Oldham County History Center’s new exhibit, The Thoroughbred: Horses, People and Farms of Oldham County.
Jennifer Selbrede
The Oldham County History Center (OCHC) has a new exhibit just in time for Derby. The Thoroughbred: Horses, People and Farms of Oldham County is a curated exhibit honoring the deep and storied relationship between Oldham County and the Thoroughbred racing industry. The exhibit is open to the public now through June 6 and is appropriate for visitors of all ages.
The exhibit opened March 6th with a private gathering of members of the Thoroughbred community. A moderated a Q&A panel featured Del Lowell, Dr. Roger Magnusson and Bill Landes, who regaled the crowd with stories and wisdom from decades in the industry. OCHC credits Lowell for bringing the exhibit to life.
Featuring carefully preserved memorabilia and artifacts, the exhibit traces the lives of legendary horses, celebrated families and iconic farms that have shaped Oldham County’s place in the world of horse racing. Visitors will encounter the histories of distinguished horses including Old Hat, Dark Star, Alysheba and Seattle Dancer — the record-holding $13.1 million sale yearling — as well as the generational contributions of the Huffman, Conrad, and Wade families and the enduring legacy of Hermitage Farm. The exhibit is best experienced counterclockwise — like a race.
Jerry Wade, former horse trainer and owner of Skylight Supply, stands in front of a display about his contributions to Oldham County’s Thoroughbred community during opening night of the exhibit.
Jennifer Selbrede
Industry night
An Industry Night will be hosted Monday, April 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public where guests will have the opportunity to explore the museum after hours, rub shoulders with racing industry professionals and meet some of the living personalities featured in the exhibit. The evening will also feature food trucks, a cash bar and live music. All ages are welcome.
Attendees of Industry Night will have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a gift basket that includes a signed bottle of single barrel bourbon, tickets and day passes to Hermitage Farms, Yew Dell Gardens, and the Kentucky Derby Museum, a one-night stay at a local B&B, and more. The basket is valued at $650 dollars, and all proceeds from the raffle will go towards future programs of OCHC.
A horse, of course, greets visitors to opening night of The Thoroughbred exhibit on March 6 at the Oldham County History Center.
Jennifer Selbrede
Exhibit info
View the exhibit Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission to The Thoroughbred is included with museum entry. Museum admission is $8 per person, with discounts for seniors, students, children and military service members.
The exhibit is appropriate for all ages. OCHC says they take no responsibility if your child starts asking for a pony — regardless of their age.
OCHC is located at 106 N. Second Avenue in La Grange. They can be reached by phone at 502-222-0826 or by email, info@oldhamkyhistory.com.
It was standing room only to hear a Q&A panel featuring Del Lowell, Dr. Roger Magnusson and Bill Landes at the opening night of the Oldham County History Center’s new Thoroughbred exhibit.
Jennifer Selbrede