The Derby Museum will share the true story of Secretariat with historical race footage, artifacts and interviews with the real life historical figures, including Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery. The movie is based on Chenery’s own life story as she transitioned from housewife to race hero when she took over the operations at her ailing father’s Meadow Stables in Virginia. The movie celebrates the record-breaking success of Chenery’s big, red horse that won the Triple Crown after a 25 year drought and helped to pull the farm out of financial hardships.
The exhibit showcases props and costumes used during the filming of the movie and generously loaned to the museum by Walt Disney Pictures. A white dress and jewelry worn by Diane Lane in the filming of the Kentucky Derby race will be on display along with a suit worn by John Malkovich and racing silks worn by actor Otto Thorwarth. Newspaper clippings, an original script from the film with Chenery’s handwritten comments, family photos, and other props will also be featured in the exhibit.
Other exciting features of the exhibit include real artifacts from Secretariat’s racing career, trophies from the museum’s collection that were used during filming and a fun, 70’s dress up area to get visitors in the spirit of the times.
The exhibit runs from September 23, 2010- March 27, 2011 on the second floor of the museum. The exhibit is included in daily admission prices. [gallery] This exhibit is made possible with assistance from Secretariat.com and Walt Disney Pictures.
