Founded as the National Sporting Library in 1954, the institution has expanded to become a library, research facility, and art museum with over 17,000 books and works of art in the collections.
The John H. Daniels Fellowship program supports research and includes scholars from around the world. Information is shared
through exhibits, lectures, seminars, publications, and pecial events. Many of the programs are free and open to the public.
Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, in 2008 the Library launched its annual Public Lecture Series. The series funds a series of free Saturday lectures on topics related to horse and field sports. One lecture per year is devoted to sporting art, and one per year to a children's or youth program. Past lectures include “Horses, Windmills and Skaters: Images of Pleasure and Purpose in the Dutch Republic” by noted art historian Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr. (February 2009), "Falconry: An Introduction to a Royal Sport" by falconer, Barbara duPont, and the Virginia Falconers Association (November 2008), and “Travels with Secretariat: A Triple Crown Odyssey,” by racing journalist, William Nack (October 2008).
NSLM donors receive notices of lectures, exhibitions and other events, as well as the NSLM Newsletter, which publishes articles on current and historic issues, book reviews and information about library activities. Members can also bid on rare and contemporary books in the NSLM's annual Duplicate Book Sale, a silent auction held each fall that is restricted to current donors.
to preserve and share the literature, art and culture of equestrian and field sports
The Library was founded in 1954 by George L. Ohrstrom Sr. and Alexander Mackay-Smith. The Library is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the literature, art, and culture of equestrian and field sports and we are pleased to announce the addition of our Museum. The institution has expanded to become an important research facility and art museum with over 17,000 books and works of art in the collections. The John H. Daniels Fellowship program supports scholarship. Information is shared through exhibits, lectures, seminars, publications, and special events.
The NSLM is a research facility, and, as such, the collection does not circulate. The NSLM and its collections are open to the public, and we invite students, journalists, sportsmen and other researchers to use the collection. We permit open access to the stacks, but ask that every user register at the front desk and check any coats and/or bags.
As a research facility, we cannot allow individual users to take materials off the premises. We do, however, allow institutions to borrow materials for exhibit and display on a case-by-case basis. For information, please call (540) 687-6542.
The National Sporting Library & Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and therefore cannot offer appraisals of books and art. If you are interested in purchasing books or having them appraised, check out the page of booksellers who specialize in our areas of interest. Visit the website Appraisers.org for a list of certified art dealers and appraisers.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: False