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Through the years the trap line was
expanded and auxiliary buildings were added in order to handle the
constant increase of entries in the tournament. In 1968 the association
refinished the white clapboard clubhouse in brick, and added a wing to
house the newly-created Hall of Fame and Museum. Official dedication
ceremonies and induction of 15 Enshrinees was held on August 19, 1969. Hall of Fame candidates are selected from two groups: Persons whose efforts have made significant contributions to the growth and betterment of trapshooting, and participants who have made impressive records in trapshooting. Candidates are eligible for selection after 25 years of participation in the sport. The museum houses one of the largest collections of target shooting memorabilia and artifacts anywhere under one roof. HISTORICAL EXHIBITS
On display are glass target balls that were launched from spring loaded catapult-style apparatus. These occasionally were filled with feathers to simulate live bird shooting. Targets developed over the years are on display including the trap machines used to propel them into the air. An impressive collection of shotshell boxes and shells representing decades of product development is on view. The trap gun collection includes personal guns of Hall of Fame Enshrinees, Olympic Medal Winners, and John Philip Sousa's custom made model. Silver and gold trophies...posters, photos, programs and paintings...are among the many artifacts and memorabilia on display. RESEARCH LIBRARY A continually growing library offers student and shooting sports enthusiasts a variety of reference sources. Beginning from the 1800s to the present there are statistics, patents, inventors and inventions, award winners, magazines, catalogs and personal interviews available about the sport. DONORS
Every contributor to the Hall of Fame is recognized on the Appreciation console in the Museum. Gifts are tax deductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
YOUTH TRAPSHOOTING PROGRAM
Special events are held for students including the State and Provincial ATA Championships. In August the National Team Championships are held during the Grand American Tournament. A Certified Instructor Program containing instruction guides, reloading and safety information, and other materials provide the shooting sports industry is available. An annual scholarship award is offered to students participating in the Youth Trapshooting Program.
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Prior
to 1924 the Grand American Trapshooting Tournament was held at various
places throughout the United States. In that year, a permanent clubhouse
and trap line were constructed by the association on land purchased by
the Amateur Trapshooting Association in Vandalia, Ohio.
Museum
displays are created to relate to the story of trapshooting history from
the days of live pigeon shooting in the early 1800s to the present modern
clay target.
The
Hall of Fame and Museum is solely provided by the support of the ATA
membership, the shooting sports industry, and friend of trapshooting.
Introducing
young people to the lifetime sport of trapshooting is a goal of the Hall
of Fame. Youth participation is encouraged through a training program for
Junior-Senior High School and college levels. Stressing gun safety,
instruction, competition, and fellowship, these programs are provided at
no cost.
