National Sporting Library & Museum

10/07/2026

Last call to register for this special writing workshop!✍️ Spend three hours with #1 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑌𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 bestselling author Elizabeth Letts and discover how to turn observation, research, and the world around you into compelling stories.

During this intimate writing workshop, participants will explore the NSLM’s collections and Library treasures through a series of writing exercises led by Letts. With a class size of just 15, this is a rare opportunity to learn from an accomplished author while looking closely at the objects and stories held in the Library & Museum.

Register today: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1624/

📅 Thursday, October 8 | 10 am–1 pm
📍 National Sporting Library & Museum

10/06/2026

A Sunday well spent! 🎨 Thank you to everyone who joined us for September's Sunday Sketch, and to local artist Alice Porter for leading a creative afternoon inspired by the monumental works on view right now in 𝑁𝑖𝑐 𝐹𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛: 𝑆𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑠 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑢𝑠.

After exploring the exhibition’s sculptures both inside and outside the Museum, participants chose a work to use as inspiration for their own artwork. Alice then challenged everyone to look closely at light and dark values, creating their interpretations with only a white pencil on black paper.

Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again at the next one on Sunday, October 25!

10/05/2026

What an inspiring evening with Douglas Tallamy! 🌿 Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging conversation about 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝐼 𝐻𝑒𝑙𝑝? 𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑌𝑎𝑟𝑑 and the simple, meaningful ways we can make a difference, right at home.

We would love to hear your ideas for saving nature in your yard this month. Comment below!

10/03/2026

🐾 Tomorrow, Sunday, October 4, bring your beloved animal companions to the NSLM Lawn from 2–3 pm for the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals.

From horses and hounds to birds, cats, gerbils, fish, livestock, teddy bears, and all creatures great and small, every companion is welcome!

Ministers from faith communities throughout the Middleburg area will come together to celebrate our animal friends with a special service and blessing. Difficult for your animal to attend? No problem! Bring a collar, halter, or even photo to be blessed instead.

Learn more: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1582/

The Interfaith Blessing of the Animals is held in partnership with Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

10/02/2026

Calling all book-lovers! #1 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑌𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 bestselling author Elizabeth Letts will be at the NSLM on Thursday, October 8 from 5–7 pm to discuss how materials she discovered in our Library’s collections sparked the research, inspiration, and ideas that became her latest novel, 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒. 📖

Letts will take us behind the scenes of her creative process, followed by an open Q&A and book signing. Bring your copy of 𝐹𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, or purchase one from our partner Middleburg Books during the event.

📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 5–7 pm
📍 National Sporting Library & Museum

Get your tickets while they last! https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1639/

10/01/2026

𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟓 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. Join us on Thursday, October 8, for an exclusive three-hour writing workshop with #1 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑌𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 bestselling author Elizabeth Letts at the NSLM.

Using the Library’s collections as inspiration, Letts will lead participants through exercises in observation, research, and creative writing, exploring how objects, images, and historical details can spark a story. Space is limited to 15 participants, and registration closes soon.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐰: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1624/

📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 10 am–1 pm
📍 National Sporting Library & Museum

09/30/2026

09/25/2026

🐾 Only two weeks until the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals!

Bring your beloved animal companions to the NSLM Lawn on Sunday, October 4, from 2–3 pm for a special service and blessing led by ministers from faith communities throughout the Middleburg area.

Horses, hounds, dogs, cats, livestock, teddy bears, and all creatures great and small are welcome. The blessings take place rain or shine, so mark your calendar and join us for this special Middleburg tradition!

Learn more: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1582/

Image Credit: Stephen Wade

09/24/2026

Join us for an afternoon art lesson with local artist Alice Porter this Sunday, September 27 from 2–4 pm! 🎨

A lifelong equestrian and experienced artist and educator, Alice brings a unique perspective to her teaching, drawing on her background in classical art techniques and years of experience working with artists of all ages. Her lesson will be inspired by the NSLM’s current exhibitions.

Sunday Sketch is free, all materials are provided, and artists of all ages and abilities are welcome. See you Sunday!

https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1578/

09/23/2026

Two days to go! 🌿 Join 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑌𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 Best-Selling author and wildlife ecologist Douglas Tallamy at the National Sporting Library & Museum on Thursday, September 24, for an evening about what each of us can do to help nature thrive.

Drawing from his new book, 𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝐶𝑎𝑛 𝐼 𝐻𝑒𝑙𝑝? 𝑆𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑌𝑎𝑟𝑑, Tallamy will share practical ways to make a difference right in your own yard, followed by a Q&A and book signing.

📅 Thursday, September 24 | 5–7 pm
🎟️ Register now: https://www.nationalsporting.org/index.php/nslm/event_details/1615/