Hall of Fame Museums

The first comprehensive overview of hall of fame museums and exhibits, this work traces the history, examines and compares the facilities, exhibits, and operations, and describes 274 halls of fame in over 100 fields in the United States and 10 other countries. The information is based on recently compiled surveys. More than half of the museums and exhibits are in the area of sports, but others range from aviation and space to cockroaches. Of interest to high school, college, university, and public libraries for their popular culture/travel reference shelves. A great source for vacations, each entry provides the address, telephone number, hours, and admission fees as well as content, operations, and more.

The hall of fame movement began in Europe several centuries ago with memorials to national heroes and other illustrious persons. But it was not until the 20th century that the contemporary hall of fame movement honoring outstanding achievers in particular fields received its impetus and attained its greatest success in the United States. Other countries covered in the book include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Singapore. Not all halls of fame are in museums. Other places include civic centers, sports arenas, government buildings, universities, and racetracks.