National Sporting Library & Museum

06/19/2026

Happy Fiddian Green Friday!

In this week’s installment, Dana Stefanelli, our George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator of Library Collections, shares his thoughts on one of the seven drawings in the exhibition, "Mighty Head Study." As a charcoal study for several of Fiddian Green's sculptures, this piece reflects a remarkable ability to capture not only the form of the horse, but its spirit and presence.

What artwork from Spiritus Equus has made the biggest impression on you? If you’ve visited the exhibition, tell us your favorite piece in the comments! 🐴

Credit: Mighty Head Study, 1999, charcoal on paper, 37 3/4 x 36 5/8 inches

06/18/2026

Notice: The NSLM will be closed this Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. See you on Saturday!

06/17/2026

Come visit the NSLM this Father's Day Weekend!

The sporting traditions and community we enjoy today owe so much to the parents who shared their love of horses, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors with their children. This watercolor by artist Paul Brown is inscribed to his daughter Nancy for her 18th birthday: "To Nancy Ann / Her 18th Birthday / Love Dad." Nancy later donated the painting to the NSLM, allowing her father's love to be felt by and preserved for many more generations to come. See more details here: https://nslm.soutronglobal.net/Portal/Default/en-GB/RecordView/Index/16566

What sporting traditions have been passed down in your family?

Paul Desmond Brown (American, 1893–1958)
Portrait of a Chestnut (detail), 1943
watercolor, 7 ½ x 7 inches
National Sporting Library & Museum,
Gift of Nancy Searles, the artist's daughter, 2011

06/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring evening last week with Linda Jane Holden, author of "The Gardens of Bunny Mellon."

From stories of Oak Spring and the White House Rose Garden to thoughtful audience questions, it was a wonderful celebration of gardening, design, and history. 🌼

🌷Tag yourself and your friends to share these photos!

Photo Credit: Nancy Kleck Photography

06/15/2026

Which NSLM Polo Classic tickets will you pick? 🐎

Join us on Sunday, September 13, at Great Meadow Foundation for the 2026 NSLM Polo Classic presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™. Would you like to spend your day in the exclusive VIP Founders’ Pavilion? Prefer a festive tailgate package? We also offer general admission tickets. Whichever package strikes your fancy, we hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable celebration of the sporting life to support the NSLM!

Get your tickets today: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1541/

06/12/2026

Happy Fiddian Green Friday!

In this week’s installment, Jess Davis, our Development Operations Coordinator, shares her favorite piece from "Nic Fiddian Green: Spiritus Equus," a bronze sculpture titled "India," and why it stands out to her!

Visit the NSLM to experience the exhibition for yourself. Already seen it? Tell us what YOUR favorite artwork is in the comments!

Credit: India, cast 2009, bronze, artist copy, edition of 9, 16 3/8 x 16 3/8 x 5 7/8 inches (excluding base)

06/11/2026

Two weeks until Open Late! 🎶

Join us Friday, June 26, from 6–8 pm as the Silver Tones Swing Band brings their lively jazz and swing sound to the National Sporting Library & Museum lawn for a free evening of music under the summer sky.

Pack a picnic, bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends. Arrive early to explore the museum before the concert begins, then settle in on the lawn and let the music take over. Concessions and refreshments will be available, parking is free, and leashed pets are welcome! (But please leave the glass bottles and outside alcohol at home)

Questions? Call (540) 687-6542 x26

Dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the literature, art, and culture of equestrian, angling, and field sports | Committed to education and advocacy for the conservation of open space and waterways integral to these pursuits

06/10/2026

Seats are filling quickly! Get your tickets now for Megan Lark Caldwell's Landscape Oil Painting Workshop at the NSLM on June 23–24 from 11 am–1 pm.

Spend two inspiring days surrounded by art and creativity as you learn landscape oil painting techniques directly from a celebrated local artist. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter looking to sharpen your skills, you'll leave with new techniques, greater confidence, and your own finished artwork!

Previous workshops sold out fast, and space is intentionally limited to provide personalized instruction. All materials are included—just bring your creativity. 🎨

Reserve your spot today:
https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1623

06/09/2026

Only a few tickets left for Thursday night!

Join us this Thursday, June 11, for an unforgettable evening celebrating one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century. Garden historian and author Linda Jane Holden will share stories from her book, "The Gardens of Bunny Mellon", offering a rare glimpse into the life, work, and creative vision of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon.

Drawing from extensive interviews with Mellon herself, Holden explores the gardens that defined her legacy—from the breathtaking landscapes of Oak Spring to the iconic White House Rose Garden. The evening includes a cocktail reception, author discussion, audience Q&A, and book signing.

Get your tickets today before they sell out!
https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1614/

06/08/2026

Happy National Fishing Week! 🎣

Fishing has been part of America's sporting story since the nation's earliest days. Currently on view in the Museum's "America 250: Sports at the Founding" exhibition, this lively scene captures a favorite outdoor pastime from the founding era and offers a glimpse into the recreational traditions that helped shape early American life.

Stop by the Museum to see it in person and explore more stories of sport at the founding!

Fly-Fishing (detail)
(after) Samuel Howitt (English, 1756–1822)
Published October 15, 1790, republished by Edward Ormes, 1812
Etching, 9 1/16 x 11 1/8 inches
Gift of David Inns, 2024