National Archery Hall of Fame

40 years, the Archery Hall of Fame has been inducting those who significantly contributed to the sport — helping to preserve history and recognize trailblazers. But the Hall existed in name alone, with no permanent place to honor inductees. That is until November 2012, when the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum officially opened inside Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo.

In 1971, Archery Lane Operators Association President Joe Rusinek and Professional Archers Association President Dave Staples presented the Hall of Fame idea to the American Archery Council (AAC), according to the Hall of Fame’s website. After getting the AAC’s full support, a committee opened up nominations to bowhunters, coaches, competitors, educators and those who contributed or influenced the sport of archery in some way. Those categories now also include innovator, inventor and Lifetime Achievement.

In 1972, as part of AAC, the Archery Hall of Fame inducted its first honorees: Fred Bear, Howard Hill, Ann Weber Hoyt, Karl E. Palmatier, Ben Pearson, J. Maurice Thompson and Russ Hoogerhyde.

In 1976 the Archery Hall of Fame became a standalone organization and continues to recognize some of the most prominent members of the archery community. Today the Hall of Fame is supported solely by donations.

The Archery Hall of Fame and Museum has roughly 1,500 artifacts representing a majority of its 72 members. It took 40 years for the Hall to find a permanent home. Check out A Closer Look at the Archery Hall of Fame and Museum to learn more about the members of the Hall of Fame, the dream of finally opening the museum and the memorabilia that fills it.

The 3,500-square-foot space on the store’s fourth floor offers a unique look into the past, from the row of Hall of Fame inductees sketched into glass to artifacts such as Geronimo’s bow and quiver.