Goshen, NY — Proving that it takes a village to raise a barn, nearly 200 local dignitaries, business people, politicians and horsemen stood on the hallowed ground of Goshen Historic Track to witness the groundbreaking of the new building project on Tuesday (April 2).

Known throughout the land as the World’s Oldest Harness Track, the National Historic Landmark survived a devastating fire in August 2017 to emerge with plans to overcome adversity and erect a new structure in conjunction with the neighboring Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame.

Janet Terhune, Larry DeVan and Steve Jones break ground at Goshen Historic Track for a collaborative building project with the Harness Racing Museum. Chris Tully photo.

“We are excited to enter into this joint venture with the Hall of Fame,” noted track president Steve Jones, “and collaborate on a building project that bonds the future of both of our entities, while preserving our treasured past.”

Museum president Larry DeVan agreed.

“We are thrilled to continue to support harness racing’s legacy in the Cradle of the Trotter, and strive to build upon its celebrated origins in Goshen that began in 1838.”

The idea of pooling resources was recognized as a solution to one of the Hall of Fame’s biggest challenges: where to store the enormous quantity of items and artifacts that continue to be donated to the Museum. The intention is to utilize the soon-to-be-constructed historic replica “barn” that occupies land on the grounds of Goshen Historic Track.

Also on hand to speak to the importance of the project were Harry Porr, Deputy Orange County Executive; Doug Bloomfield, Town of Goshen Supervisor; Mike Nuzzolese and Kyle Roddy, current and former Mayors of the Village of Goshen; Ted Lewis, Goshen Building Inspector; and Barbara Martinez, Executive Director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce.

Although each speaker brought their own unique perspective to the project, one consistent theme was prevalent: the significance of harness racing to Goshen and the assistance needed to realize this vital rebuilding endeavor.

Museum director Janet Terhune, who has helped spearhead the project, noted, “The track is in the home stretch of its second century of operation. We owe it to the sport of harness racing to ensure that this grand history is promoted and preserved, and in this case, revitalized.”

For more information about the building project, including sponsorship and donation information, please email rebuild@goshenhistorictrack.com or go to: http://goshenhistorictrack.com/restoration/.