The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum will celebrate a “grand re-opening” on June 9 in Amarillo, TX. Renovations to the original museum, which closed on February 1, 2006 to begin construction, include a 20 percent increase in space. The Grand Hall, which presents Hall of Fame inductees, will feature a commanding AQHA medallion, 13-feet in diameter and sculpted from 1400 pounds of clay, as well as an immense American Quarter Horse Association foundation bloodline chart etched into the floor.
Additional floor space in the Grand Hall is devoted to a timeline exhibit of Hall of Fame inductees, with personal artifacts and memorabilia from each, including horses, owners, breeders and riders.The three-tiered timeline gives historical context to Hall of Fame inductees’ achievements by presenting world history events, AQHA milestones, and breed milestones simultaneously.
The special Champions Gallery will showcase AQHA world champions through an interactive, searchable database. Six interactive multi-media stations, along with two family-size mini-theaters, will also provide, through a searchable film database, an in-depth look into the history of the American Quarter Horse, as well as Hall of Fame inductees.
The Joni Hegel Education Gallery will provide information about general horse care, as well as about activities and careers related to the American Quarter Horse.