LexHistory Hosts Keeneland Library’s traveling exhibit
The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers.

February 27, 2024—The Lexington History Museum (LexHistory) is proud to host the Keeneland Library’s traveling exhibit The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers. This groundbreaking exhibit follows the lives and contributions of Black horsemen and women from the era of slavery to the present. From racetrack superstars to behind-the-scenes caretakers,

The Heart of the Turf showcases select stories of countless African Americans who forged their way in Kentucky and beyond, making the racing industry what it is today.

LexHistory is able to include this traveling exhibit with all museum admission rates thanks to Keeneland Association’s generosity in making it available to the museum at no cost. See The Heart of the Turf at the Lexington History Museum Friday, March 1 through Derby Day, Saturday, May 4, 2024.

“We are thrilled to host Keeneland Library’s The Heart of the Turf as our first traveling exhibit at the Museum. We look forward to continuing to showcase Lexington’s histories in our exhibition space and welcome the chance to collaborate with other community partners,” said Amanda Higgins, Ph.D., Executive Director of LexHistory.

Top banner image: Keeneland Library Hemment Collection – Trainer Byron McClelland’s staff, circa 1895