Dear Member and Friend of the Museum,
We were honored to induct Thomas H. Jackson, Donald Philhower, and Larry Pitts into the Huntsman’s Hall of Fame, joining the distinguished company of individuals who have shaped and elevated the sport. We also showcased the early 20th-century bronze works of Charles Carey Rumsey, flown in from New York, which drew significant attention from visitors during the Virginia Hound Show in May and throughout the year at Morven Park. In addition, a curated exhibition featuring renowned American Academy of Equine Art hunt-country artists attracted collectors from near and far.
Our centrally located Middleburg galleries on Washington Street continue to offer unparalleled access to the local and national equestrian community, as well as to visitors drawn to Middleburg’s deep equestrian heritage. For many, our museum serves as a first introduction to the history, culture, and artistry of hunt-country life. As we broaden our supporter base and strengthen our community ties, we hope we can continue to count on your partnership.
This year, life and annual members and guests enjoyed ten foxhunting-focused art exhibitions featuring exceptional paintings and bronzes by celebrated sporting artists. Collectors were especially drawn to works by Anita Baarns, Jean Bowman, Heather St. Clair Davis, Sandra Forbush, Gail Guirreri, Sam Robinson, and Linda Volrath. Masterful bronzes by Kathleen Friedenberg, Jennifer Sims, and Jedson Smalley also attracted a devoted following. Together, these exhibitions offered extraordinary works for acquisition and meaningful opportunities for foxhunting enthusiasts to gather, connect, and celebrate our shared traditions.
Since opening the Duffey House galleries two years ago, we have welcomed more than 1,400 visitors. Many discover foxhunting for the first time through our memorabilia, artwork, and bronzes donated by our patrons—a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving this cultural heritage for future generations. We remain the sole museum in North America dedicated to telling the stories of foxhunting, educating and delighting visitors through tailor-made guided tours.
Our Fox & Hound Museum Gift Shop continues to grow, offering a curated selection of sporting art, bronzes, and distinctive equestrian-themed gifts that reflect the elegance and history of the sport and the hunt country lifestyle.
As our reach expands, so does our responsibility. Membership has tripled since 2023, and we are modernizing our member database to better serve our growing community. As stewards of treasured artifacts entrusted to us, we are committed to updating and digitizing our collection catalogue and ensuring all pieces remain properly conserved to the highest standards of care.
Land protection and conservation remain vital components of our mission—efforts inseparable from the tradition and pursuit of foxhunting. The cherished landscapes that sustain our sport are living pieces of history and preserving them ensures that future generations may experience the same open countryside, harmonious land use, and natural beauty that define our heritage.
My Rural Piedmont
We ask for your continued support to help sustain our mission. Your generosity fuels our momentum—our expanding programming, our stewardship of the collection, our rising visitor numbers, and our engagement with a vibrant and committed membership. With your help, we will continue to educate, inspire, and celebrate the storied tradition of mounted hunting with hounds.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Contributions may be made online at mhhna.org/donate or by mail to:
Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America
P.O. Box 1122
Middleburg, VA 20118
Thank you for your past patronage and for considering a year-end gift. We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and look forward to welcoming you back to our Leesburg and Middleburg galleries.
With sincere appreciation,
Nancy G. Bedford, Chairman