About The Oldest Hall Of Fame In America
It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of individuals who have shaped the course of America
A Hall of Fame is a special institution or recognition program that honors individuals for their significant achievements or contributions in a particular field, such as sports, music, art, or other areas of excellence. Inductees are typically selected based on their accomplishments, impact, and legacy, and their recognition is often celebrated through ceremonies, exhibits, or physical memorials.
The Hall of Fame for Great Americans is the first and oldest hall of fame in America. It is an outdoor sculpture gallery located on the grounds of the Bronx Community College and originally constructed in 1900 as a part of the University Heights campus of New York University.
Bronx Community College describes it as the first Hall of Fame in the nation. The Gotham Center defines it as the first monument of its kind. New York University recognizes it as the first ever hall of fame in the United States. The City of New York acknowledges it as the first establishment to have a Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame for Great Americans was founded in 1900 by Dr. Henry Mitchell MacCracken, the chancellor of New York University at the time. It was the brainchild of sculptor and arts patron Paul Wayland Bartlett. The Hall of Fame was created to honor prominent Americans who had made significant contributions to the nation's history and culture.
It is designed as an open-air colonnade, featuring a series of marble busts mounted on pedestals. It is set within a semicircular structure with Doric columns, overlooking the Harlem River. The design was influenced by the Pantheon in Rome and other classical architecture.
The Hall of Fame initially honored individuals from various fields, including politics, literature, science, and the arts. Some of the early inductees include George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Susan B. Anthony, and Mark Twain. Over the years, additional honorees have been added to the Hall of Fame, though the last induction ceremony took place in 1976.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the Hall of Fame fell into disrepair due to neglect and vandalism. However, efforts to restore the site began in the 1970s, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
The restoration efforts have aimed to preserve the integrity of the original design and honor the legacy of the individuals enshrined in the Hall of Fame. It is open to the public and free to visit.
Visitors can explore the colonnade and view the busts of the honorees while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Bronx Community College campus.
At the heart of the Hall of Fame is the Rotunda, a domed space adorned with a mural by American artist Edwin Howland Blashfield. Inductees had to be U.S. citizens (native-born or naturalized) and deceased for at least 25 years before nomination (originally 10 years until 1910).
The colonnade surrounding the Rotunda featured 98 marble busts (102 individuals were elected, but only 98 have busts) of honorees, each mounted on a pedestal and accompanied by a plaque detailing their contributions. The busts were created by renowned sculptors, including Daniel Chester French, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and James Earle Fraser.
In August 2017, the busts of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were removed by order of disgraced New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, reducing the physical bust count to 96, though they remain part of the historical record of inductees.
Overall, the Hall of Fame for Great Americans serves as a tribute to the diverse contributions of influential figures in American history and culture, providing a space for reflection and inspiration for visitors from all walks of life.
It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of individuals who have shaped the course of American history and culture, inviting visitors to reflect on their contributions and aspirations for the future.