Multi-year partnership between Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs will support museum’s educational programs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - The Kentucky Derby Museum announced a new multi-year partnership with Churchill Downs that will support the museum’s educational programs that teach students about the Kentucky Derby®. This partnership will bolster the museum’s in-house field trips and outreach programs, giving thousands of students in Kentucky and beyond the Kentucky Derby experience.

As a nonprofit organization, the museum provides generations of students with the history, science, and cultural significance of the Kentucky Derby. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the museum’s Education Department reached more than 32,000 students through its programs, the release said.

“We are excited to partner with Churchill Downs on this important initiative that directly supports our mission to engage, educate, and excite students about the Kentucky Derby,” said Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum. “This generous commitment allows us to continue offering free educational programs that our instructors are so passionate about. With our organizations’ shared love of education, we’re proud to work together with Churchill Downs to not only preserve the Derby’s legacy but also inspire the next generation.”

Through this partnership, Churchill Downs will support the museum’s efforts to make educational experiences more accessible. With a financial commitment of $150,000 over three years, the funding will allow the museum to continue offering free in-house field trips and free outreach programming throughout the school year, extending the museum’s reach to schools that may not be able to travel to Louisville.

“Churchill Downs is thrilled to come together with the Kentucky Derby Museum, one of our long-time partners on this incredible education initiative,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Educating the next generation of horse racing fans is so important to the vitality of the sport. The Kentucky Derby Museum has a long history of educating the next generation on the history, richness, and legacy of the Kentucky Derby, and we are excited to partner with them to continue this great work.”