The International Swimming Hall of Fame
The International Swimming Hall of Fame is
a not-for-profit educational organization located in Fort-Lauderdale, Florida.
Its mission is to promote the benefits and importance of swimming as a key to
fitness, good health, quality of life, and the water safety of children. It
accomplishes its goals through the operation of the ISHOF museum, a dynamic
shrine dedicated to the history, memory, and recognition of the accomplished
swimmers, divers, water polo players, synchronized swimmers, their coaches and
lifesavers. Their lives and accomplishments serve to inspire and educate all of
us.
ISHOF is the “Mecca of Aquatics” and international
showplace for swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming. The
museum, library and archive contain the world's largest collection of aquatic
memorabilia, and the single largest source of aquatic books, manuscripts and
literature. As Olympic swimmer and “Tarzan”, Johnny Weissmuller said at the
Hall of Fame's inaugural in 1965, "I am happy and honored to be
recognized among swimming's elite athletes. It is here where I will keep my
swimming memorabilia, tell stories of my days in swimming and the movies and
offer my services towards the pursuit of helping each youngster pursue their
dreams." Johnny did this until his death in 1984, but at the Hall of
Fame, his spirit continues to live to inspire the youth of today, and to serve
as a model for which young athletes can strive.
ISHOF has honored the world's
greatest personalities in aquatics. This includes Hollywood stars (JohnnyWeissmuller, Buster Crabbe, Esther Williams), prestigious personalities
(the TV series Baywatch" creator, Gregory Bonnan), political leaders (Ronald Reagan, H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco II),
and Olympians (Donna De Varona, Mark Spitz) to mention a few.
