Polo enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the sport of polo at the National Sporting Library and Museum on the weekend of September 22 and 23 with a symposium, an art exhibition, and a benefit polo match.

The first, a Symposium on Saturday in the Founders' Room of the Library from 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The second, a Polo Cup fundraiser on Sunday, will take place at the Virginia International Polo Club in Upperville, Virginia.

Evolution of Polo in America

This extraordinary opportunity is enriched by a symposium featuring prominent experts in the sport – its history, art and the game itself. Moderated by F. Turner Reuter, Jr., the panel of experts includes:

H. A. Laffaye, a former polo player and an authority on international polo and its history who has authored several books, including The Evolution of Polo and Polo in the United States. Dr. Laffaye is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Museum of Polo and Chairman of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.

Michael H. S. Finney, a Maryland racing historian and sporting art dealer specializing in equine art. He began his polo career at the Bostwick's Village Farms Club in New York and went on to reside with Hector Barrantes in Argentina before playing for White Birch Farm. Finney has also served as an instructor, announcer and referee at the Myopia Polo Club in Boston and as a consultant on polo art for Polo Magazine.

Dennis J. Amato, Ph.D, a noted polo historian, who has amassed one of the world's largest collections of printed materials and ephemera on the sport. He has contributed to several books and written almost forty articles including Long Island Polo: Past & Present, Theodore Roosevelt and Oyster Bay Polo, Early California Polo and Artist & Poloist: Charles Cary Rumsey. Amato also served as the Meadow Brook Club's historian in 1994 and 1995.

Charles Muldoon, a five-goal polo player, who has played the sport at the highest levels, both nationally and internationally. Notably, he is also the captain for the U.S. Polo Team and was elected Governor at Large of the US Polo Association in 2011.

The symposium is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. There is limited seating so reservations are required.

For more information, please contact jsheeehan@nsl.org or call 540-687-6542, ex 10.

Polo Art Exhibition

"Chukkers: The Sport of Polo in Art" will include over fifty paintings and watercolors, twenty sculptures and medals, and a selection of antique trophies. Curated by the NSLM and researched by H. A. Laffaye, the exhibition includes loans from the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. Museum Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. The NSLM is closed on federal holidays.

Polo Cup Fundraiser

A benefit for the NSLM will take place at the Virginia International Polo Club in Upperville, Virginia, Sunday September 23.

For information on the match and luncheon, please call Diana Kingsbury-Smith at 540-687-6542, ext. 26.