Joseph E. Widener, former resident and manager of the Lynnewood Hall estate in Elkins Park, was posthumously inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame today.

The 2026 induction class is comprised of the racehorses Kona Gold, Gulch, and Mongo; trainers Christophe Clement, John Shirreffs, and David Whiteley; and Pillars of the Turf Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Dr. Robert Copelan, Seth Hancock, G. Watts Humphrey Jr., and Mr. Widener.

Widener was an American Thoroughbred horse race owner, breeder, and racetrack owner. He raised seventy-nine stakes race winners, was president of Belmont Park racetrack, and owned Hialeah Park racetrack.

Edward Thome (pictured above), Executive Director of the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation (LHPF), attended the ceremony. Cortright Wetherill III and his wife, Elizabeth Hamlin Wetherill, represented the Widener Family.

The LHPF posted the following:

After eighty-four years, Joseph’s dedication to thoroughbred racing and sportsmanship has finally been recognized in the Hall of Fame.

In 1940 a fountain was erected at Hialeah Park in Florida, Hialeah being one of Joe’s most cherished accomplishments, and it illustrates the four ideals and values that Joseph held in high esteem. Each is engraved on a bronze plaque.

His legacy and values will continue to inspire many and live on for years to come at Lynnewood Hall. Well done Joe, we’re proud to be sharing your noble and inspirational story.

You can watch the induction ceremony below:

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Photos: Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation, Wikipedia