What is
There to See?
The Museum section of the Water Ski Hall of Fame contains a wealth of sports
memorabilia for water ski and boating enthusiasts of all ages. Each year, the Museum is
host to thousands of individuals and groups who are interested in enjoying the rich
history of the sport. The Museum was started in 1980 by the American Water Ski
Educational Foundation in Winter Haven, Florida. Outgrowing its space a new
AWSEF Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum was built on Interstate 4, just minutes
away from Disney World.
Exhibits: -- some of the exhibits featured in the Museum
are
-
First Pair of Water Skis -- In 1922, 18-year-old Ralph Samuelson fashioned a pair of
water skis out of two pine boards and skied across Lake Pepin in Lake City, Minnesota.
Samuelson's first crude pair of skis are now enshrined in the Water Ski Museum for all to
see
-
Other
-
1954 Correct Craft Boat
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Assorted antique outboard engines
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Ropes and Handles -- 1922 to the present
-
Skis, skis and more skis from across the year
Library:
The library is believed to be the most complete library and resource center
devoted exclusively to water skiing in existence. Visitors including
researchers and writers are welcome to browse through our files, books,
magazine, new clippings, and to view vintage tapes depicting skiing in the
U.S.A. and throughout the World.
Hall of Fame:
General Info -- The Hall of Fame Honorees are recognized with a
reproduction of an oil painting by Willa Cook until 2001, when she retired
from painting portraits. A photo reproduction is now used and a short bio.
Pioneer Hall:
The history of water skiing and its early stars are depicted in
media highlights, vintage photographs, and equipment related to the sport.
Action on the Water:
Optional DVD presentations of events from the past and present are
changed to the enjoyment of the visitors, including show ski nationals,
safety, history, fun for kids and others that are available from the
collection of events that are held and made available to the Museum.
AWSEF preserves the legacy of our sport.
AWSEF preserves the history of our sport
AWSEF maintains the USA and International Hall of Fame
AWSEF maintains the Water Ski Museum
AWSEF oversees the Hall of Fame Selection process and the induction
AWSEF maintains the archives of the sports disciplines
AWSEF maintains the library of our sport
AWSEF administrates and offers scholarships annually.
AWSEF promotes the sport of water skiing and all our disciplines
