By: Brittany Schnorr, Manager of PR & Media Relations
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum’s traveling exhibit, “Bob Hope: An American Treasure,” is making its way around the nation with its latest stop in Fredericksburg, Texas. The exhibit, complete with more than 200 vintage photos, seven videos and hundreds of awards and artifacts, has now settled in the National Museum of the Pacific War’s George H.W. Bush Gallery.
The museum and Hope have a unique relationship, dating back to 1976 when Bob Hope visited Fredericksburg to participate in a fundraiser to save the Nimitz Hotel, named after Admiral Chester Nimitz. He also served as an Honorary Trustee on the Admiral Nimitz Foundation’s Board. With the support of Bob’s daughter, Linda Hope, and the Bob Hope Legacy, the exhibition is able to be on display at a museum that tells the story of a war that Hope was so connected with through his many USO appearances.
General Michael Hagge was on hand for the exhibit’s grand opening, along with Brodie Waters, Sr. Director of Museum Operations at the World Golf Hall of Fame, and local dignitaries.
The traveling exhibit includes 15 themed display units that celebrate Bob Hope’s lifetime achievements including an original vaudeville contract from 1922, his final set of golf clubs, Emmy and Honorary Oscar awards, the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to him by President John F. Kennedy, and his self-proclaimed “most important honor of his life,” the Honorary Veteran Citation from Congress.
Admission is free at the exhibit, which includes a 30-stop audio tour and an educational program. The Bob Hope exhibit will be on display at the National Museum of the Pacific War through September 20, 2015.
Bob Hope was a true golf enthusiast, known for his comedic contributions, career in the entertainment industry, and relationships with many U.S. Presidents. Hope was inducted to the World Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport in 1983, alongside three-time Masters Champion Jimmy Demaret.
A true golf ambassador, Bob Hope left an immense impact on the game. His larger-than-life personality brought golf into the minds and hearts of players and enthusiasts on an international level, which is seen by his accumulation of more than 2,000 awards and honors, as well as the start of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 1960.
For more information on Bob Hope and his achievements, visit WorldGolfHallofFame.org/Bob-Hope
