from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame

Goshen, NY — On Oct. 28, 2016, John T. Mayo of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame was presented an Individual Award of Excellence by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network for dedication and service to New York State history.

This peer-reviewed award program recognizes and commends exceptional individuals and projects which exemplify creativity and professional vision, resulting in a contribution to the preservation and interpretation of the history, culture and diversity of the region.

Harness Racing Museum photo

John T. Mayo was presented an Individual Award of Excellence by the Greater Hudson Heritage Network for dedication and service to New York State history.

As operations manager of the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, John Mayo has contributed to the Museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate harness racing’s presence for more than 19 years. Despite a number of additions and renovations which have augmented and enhanced the structure — which now totals 36,000 square feet — the original 1913 horse stable has remained virtually unchanged since its transformation into a museum in 1950. Preserving the stable and maintaining the more modern rooflines and facilities that connect to it are ongoing challenges for Mayo and the Museum staff.

Mayo also supervises the Museum’s education department and junior docent program. A favorite of his fellow staff members, Mayo is regarded as an outstanding ambassador for the Museum and much deserving of this award.

The Greater Hudson Heritage Network serves the museum and history communities as a catalyst to advance professional standards and practices, build capacity of organizations to meet their missions, and create a network of effective and professional stewards.

Mayo and other awardees were honored on Oct. 28 at GHHN’s annual conference, convened this year at Locust Grove Historic Estate in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

For further information about the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, the Museum’s school programs, educational workshops or children’s birthday parties, please contact the Education Department at 845.294.6330 or e-mail education@harnessmuseum.com. The Museum, which is supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, is currently offering free admission for walk-in visitors and $4.00/person for group docent-guided tours. For information on all the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame special events or gift shop services, please visit our website at www.harnessmuseum.com. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.