For Immediate Release: April 9, 2002

Morven Park Announces
Grand Opening of New Exhibits

The Museum of Hounds and Hunting located at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA proudly announces the grand opening of two new exhibits on Saturday, April 20, 2002. Made possible by the generosity of JWK Properties, Inc. on behalf of John W. Kluge, the exhibits showcase two agricultural artisan trades tightly woven into the fabric of country life - the farrier and the harness maker.

Located in a renovated section of the Coach House at Morven Park, these life-size, three dimensional displays spring to life at the touch of a button while the audio narrative describes the scene before your eyes. Each exhibit measures over 40 feet in width and is finely detailed with the tools of each trade. In the farrier shop, the blacksmith is resolute behind his anvil and the forge glows red in the background. While in his workshop, the harness maker is intent on the piece of leather before him. Both exhibits are well researched, historically accurate and speak of the true craftsmanship of each artisan.

Mrs. Donald van Schaack, Museum of Hounds and Hunting Advisory Committee member, was instrumental in the exhibits coming to Morven Park. "I knew that the Kluge Carriage Collection located in Charlottesville, VA was to be disbursed" she said, "so I contacted their curator, Owen Best, to see whether they might consider donating the exhibits to the Museum of Hounds and Hunting." After receiving the good news, efforts began to relocate the exhibits to Leesburg.

The Museum of Hounds & Hunting houses exhibits featuring the art and artifacts of the centuries old sport of hunting to hounds. Founded in 1985, it is the Museum's mission to preserve the art, artifacts and memorabilia of a centuries old sporting tradition. The Museum will host a private reception to honor Mr. and Mrs. John W. Kluge and all the donors who made it possible to relocate and install the exhibits on Friday, April 19, 2002, at the Coach House. The exhibits will open to the public on Saturday, April 20th.

Morven Park and the Museum of Hounds and Hunting are open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12 noon to 6 PM. Tours begin on the hour. Group tours may be arranged and are scheduled by appointment only. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $1 for children. Special groups rates are available.

For More Information Contact:

Pamela Woolley 703-777-2890
Morven Park International Equestrian Center