American Museum of Fly Fishing - Who we are and What we do
The American Museum of Fly
Fishing is the steward of
the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly fishing and promotes
the conservation of its waters. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits,
studies, and interprets the artifacts, art, and literature of the sport and
uses these resources to engage, educate, and benefit all.
The Museum was founded in
1968 by several passionate anglers who believed that the artifacts and stories
relating to the history of fly fishing were being lost as the last quarter of
the 20th century approached. Over the past 46 years the
Museum has accumulated one of the largest and one of the most historically
significant angling collections in the world.
In an effort to
fulfill our mission, the Museum publishes a quarterly
journal, The American Fly Fisher; develops hands-on educational programs to enhance the appreciation
for classic equipment; hosts award events to honor individuals and
organizations; curates and installs exhibitions onsite, online, and off-site. We are excited to make a splash in the online exhibition world with our celebrated saltwater initiative.
ON FLY IN THE SALT: American Saltwater Fly Fishing from the Surf to the Flats
WHY
Saltwater fly fishing is a natural progression of the Museum's mandate to document the evolution of the fly-rod sport through art, craft, industry, and conservation. As the repository for the world's largest angling collection and to augment its most recent conservation initiative, the Museum is perfectly positioned to present a visual exploration of the history of American saltwater fly fishing from its European origins to its current fast-growing popularity.
From the glassy
mosaics of clear water flats to the fierceness of the open ocean, saltwater fly
fishing serves up a potpourri of mental and physical challenges that engender
sheer, primal excitement for participants. Since its early beginnings
the saltwater discipline has graphed a continuing upward climb in popularity.
In terms of new techniques, tackle development, cultivation of new fishing
grounds, and advancements in biological and environmental knowledge, this branch
of the sport may be unequalled in the overall history of fly fishing.
Several years ago AMFF recognized that, in order to engage new and
long-distance supporters, the use of digital technology was a must.
So, here we are, in the midst of our digital initiative. We are excited to provide state-of-the-art exhibitions to people around the world...but it can't be done without your help.
Consider your love of fly fishing and the importance of preserving its history. Developing this online exhibition would make the research available to everyone, for generations to come.
Please, don't let the information and artifacts be tucked away - help us make it public!
HOW
On Fly in the Salt traces the sport’s progress through artifacts from the Museum’s permanent
collection as well as artifacts from the personal collections of individuals
and organizations. This online exhibition will augment the traveling show with additional videos, stories, and images. Some of the major themes
highlighted include:
-
A timeline to document
the growth of saltwater angling along the East, West, and Gulf Coasts of the
country
-
The evolution of
tackle – rods, reels, lines, and flies – from the pioneering period to the present
-
The innovative
pioneers and their contributions
-
The fisheries and
the organizations charged with preservation
-
The saltwater
environment and the organizations and projects pivotal to the conservation of both the water and the fish
-
The fine art and
folk art inspired by the saltwater environs
-
Significant regional
events that had ripple effects across the industry
Setting the Bar
The overall cost to research, compile, and present the history of American saltwater fly fishing is much greater than our $10,000 goal. This goal, however, accurately reflects a portion of the cost to design and program the online exhibition. And though our project consists of many other awesome elements, we know the importance of online exposure and trust that our fellow indiegogo-ers feel the same.
- $5 ... We'll keep you in the know as the project prepares to launch. You'll also receive an AMFF sticker.
- $25 ...In addition to joining our community, you'll also receive an AMFF sticker and 2 admission passes to the Museum in Manchester, Vermont.
- $100 ... You can wear an AMFF trucker hat proudly. You'll also get an extra large AMFF sticker and 2 admission passes to the Museum in Manchester, Vermont.
- $250 ... Our donor recognition page will proudly list your name and you can enjoy a set of 4 pint glasses (proudly etched with our logo!). We'll also include an extra large AMFF sticker and 2 admission passes.
- $500 ... Have something you want written in stone? With a $500 donation you will be given the opportunity to permanently inscribe a brick to be installed in the walkway of the American Museum of Fly Fishing. You'll also receive a limited edition, signed book (Good Flies by John Gierach) and an extra large AMFF sticker along with 2 admission passes to the Museum.
- $1,000 ... A membership at the Museum comes with many perks. Imagine being a member for life! This is your ONLY opportunity to become an exclusive life member of this institution. We'll also send you a set of 4 pilsner glasses etched with a school of fish pattern and an extra large sticker.
- $5,000 ... Adorn your den or favorite sitting room with a carved
trout stream coffee table. You will also become a life member of the Museum!
Tooting Our Own Horn - Benchmark Exhibitions
All the buzz is around the saltwater project - and rightfully so - it's the fastest growing sector of the sport of fly fishing and gaining great momentum across all generations of anglers.
However, the Museum has curated some equally compelling (on-site and traveling) exhibitions in the past which include:
- A Graceful Rise: Women in Fly Fishing, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (ALSO our very first online exhibition, to visit click here)
- Memories on the Water: A Photographic Journey Through Fly Fishing’s Past
- Reeling in the Years: The History of the American Museum of Fly Fishing
- Gadgets and Gear: 20th-Century Innovations in Fly Fishing
- Fly on the Wall: The Artwork of William Cushner
- Ogden M. Pleissner: The Sporting Grand Tour
- 40th Anniversary of the American Museum of Fly Fishing
- Anglers’ All: Humanity in Midstream
Our Stand
This is our mission - we are dedicated to spreading the spirit of fly fishing. We're passionate about this sport and are grateful for the opportunity to share our knowledge and resources with you!
Cast it Forward
Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help.
Just as important as raising the funds, we need to raise awareness. Please consider sending the following message to your friends:
Hello There!
Hopefully you've heard of the American Museum of Fly Fishing, but if not check this out...www.amff.com. It's a great non-profit museum trying to do big things in the online arena. They're looking to launch an online exhibition featuring history of saltwater fly fishing. Their goal is to share the tradition of the sport, and they need our help reaching a new online audience.
Find this campaign on Indiegogo!
See you soon,
Your Dearest Friend
DON'T FORGET: use the Indiegogo share tools!