The Kentucky Derby Museum, which sits on the front steps of historic Churchill Downs, is a very visible part of our community. Graciously welcoming over 200,000 guests through the doors each year and giving them a first hand look at the event for which Louisville, Kentucky is known worldwide. The Museum aims to provide a lasting impression of tradition, hospitality and pride to our many visitors. The Kentucky Derby Museum, in addition to being the guardian of the Kentucky Derby, offers so much more to our community. Through our Education Department, we offer a free kids program to all public and parochial schools within the states of Indiana and Kentucky. Our Outreach Program travels to communities within our state to educate Kentucky youth about the economics, history and significance of the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby Museum opened to the public in April 1985 upon land that Churchill Downs donated to the non-profit corporation. The construction of the facility and seed money for the endowment fund was provided by the J. Graham Brown Foundation and five banks in the community. J. Graham Brown was Chairman of the Board of Directors for Churchill Downs and a Thoroughbred owner. He felt that the Derby and Churchill Downs needed a more appropriate facility to hold and interpret the significant history and meaning of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. In his will, Brown provided the financial means and rudimentary governance structure to create a non-profit organization, which is now the Kentucky Derby Museum. Although the Museum maintains a strong relationship with Churchill Downs, it functions as an entirely separate entity with self-generating revenue for its operating budget. In June 1999, the Museum undertook a 10 million-dollar renovation and 10,000 square foot expansion which was completed in April 2000. The funding for the renovation/expansion was secured from the J. Graham Brown Foundation, Board members and five Thoroughbred owners. Churchill Downs again donated land for the expansion. The Museum has welcomed over 2,014,000 visitors from all over the world since opening. The Museum’s revenue is generated by visits to the Museum, gift shop sales and rental income as well as generous sponsorships and grants from the community. The Museum has had four Executive Directors: William Ray (1983-1988); Randy Ray* (1988-1994); David Wagner (1994-1996); and Lynn Ashton (1997-present). * Randy Ray is not related to William Ray.