New Salem celebrates the Morgan horse
Historic site to present demonstrations of the horse’s modern role, explain breed’s history July 19

[July 16, 2014]  PETERSBURG - Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site will celebrate the beautiful Morgan horse July 19, with demonstrations of the horse’s modern role and explanations of how “America’s first breed” was developed.

The Mississippi Valley Morgan Horse Club will make presentations at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the area south of Dr. John Allen’s home.

The presentations will begin with the story of Justin Morgan, the music teacher who owned the breed’s foundation stallion, and will feature the historic role of the Morgan in the Civil War and the westward expansion, farm work and recreational activities of the young nation.

Also included will be demonstrations of modern uses of the Morgan horse, including trail riding, dressage, driving and society horse shows. There will be ongoing horse activities to observe between sessions, a large variety of free educational and promotional materials, and an opportunity to visit with Morgan Horse Club members and get up close to the beautiful horses.

The Museum Store and Gift/Book Store operated by the New Salem Lincoln League will be open during the event.

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is located two miles south of Petersburg and twenty miles northwest of Springfield on Route 97.

Tours are free, although a donation of $4 for adults, $2 for children or $10 per family is suggested.

[Text received; CHRIS WILLIS, ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCY]