St. Augustine, Fla. (May 1, 2012) -- Bob Hope quipped in many of his monologues, "I left England at the age of 4 when I found out I couldn't be king." On Friday, July 13, Hope returns home as the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum's traveling exhibit makes its third stop at the Greenwich Heritage Centre Woolrich, Royal Borough of Greenwich South London, England.

The exhibit has been touring under the title "Bob Hope: An American Treasure" for stops at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich., but will assume the name "Bob Hope: A World of Laughter" for its UK engagement. The exhibition opens just two weeks from the start of the 2012 Olympic Games in London and concludes Oct. 28, 2012.

"The Bob Hope family is absolutely thrilled to have Bob back on the 'road' to his hometown, especially at such an exciting time," said Linda Hope, daughter of the late entertainer. "Dad loved the Olympics and I am certain that he will be catching some of the action along with enjoying being 'home' again. He was born in Eltham and always looked forward to returning. The World Golf Hall of Fame has put together some amazing displays that illustrate his humor, his love of travel and his love of golf. I'm sure that this exhibition will be a fun experience for both young and old."

Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South London on May 29, 1903. At the age of 4 his family emigrated to America, where he became one of the world's most loved, endearing and enduring comedians, renowned equally for his one-liners, films, support of the American troops during several wars and of course, his love of golf.

"Bob Hope: A World of Laughter" will feature more than 170 artifacts, including his KBE and CBE conferred on him by HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The exhibition will also include Hope's honorary Oscar statuette, Honorary Veterans citation, Congressional Gold Medal and his PGA of America money clip. More than 200 vintage photos and several video displays will tell the story about Hope's early years as part of an immigrant family in the early 20th century, his rise as a star of stage, screen and radio, the relationships he had with U.S. presidents, his devotion to the men and women of the military and his love of golf.

"Bob Hope is a transcendent figure not just in golf, but in 20th century entertainment," said Jack Peter, World Golf Hall of Fame Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are honored to have the support of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation in this exciting venture."

Councillor Chris Roberts, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said, "Bob Hope is a famous son of Eltham in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and we are immensely proud of our connection with him and all he achieved throughout his illustrious career. I hope the exhibition inspires people to visit our Royal Borough and enjoy some of the landmarks he used to grace."

Additional artifacts that tell the story of his roots in England, including his returns to his homeland to entertain royalty and the public alike, his charitable endeavors through the Bob Hope British Classic, the story of Eltham's Bob Hope Theatre and his ties to the Olympic Games will be seen for the first time in this stop on the tour.

The exhibition will be available free of charge to the public at the Greenwich Heritage Centre, in the Royal Arsenal complex adjacent to the Royal Artillery -- Firepower museum, from Friday, July 13 through Oct. 28, 2012.

For more information on the traveling exhibition or the World Golf Hall of Fame, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

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About the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum

The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum preserves and honors the history of golf and the legacies of those who have made it great. The Hall of Fame and Museum, located at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., serves as a steward of the game through engaging, interactive storytelling and exhibitions featuring artifacts, works of art, audio, video and photography significant to the history of golf and its members.

The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit institution and is allied with 26 national and international golf organizations, including The European Tour, LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA. To learn more about the Hall of Fame or to lend support, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

As the Founding Partner of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and World Golf Village, Shell Oil Company played a lead role in supporting the development and growth of the institution, which opened in 1998. Since then, their continued involvement has led the way for others to join in support of the Hall of Fame & Museum's mission.

About the Greenwich Heritage Centre

The Royal Borough of Greenwich's Heritage Centre, located in South London at the Royal Arsenal complex on the bank of the Thames River, brings together the former Borough Museum and local history library to offer a wealth of information and fascinating displays about the history of Royal Greenwich.

Among the collections held there are administrative and church records dating back to the 1600s. Items in the collection include:

• maps from the seventeenth century to the present day
  
• files of local newspapers from 1834 to date
  
• a Plumstead deed document of 1387 (the centre's oldest document!)
  

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