The IGFA Hall of Fame
**FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida **- The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced today that it will be relocating its Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit from the first floor of its international headquarters in South Florida to a new wildlife museum and aquarium operated by the Johnny Morris Foundation in Springfield, Missouri USA. IGFA will continue to own its Dania building and the first floor space vacated by the museum will be renovated into a new conservation and events center, to be operated by Bass Pro Shops.
IGFA President Rob Kramer stated “The opportunity provided by long-time IGFA friend and supporter Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops to showcase our Hall of Fame and collections in his new museum and aquarium will allow us to dramatically increase our exposure to the public. This strategic business move will also allow IGFA to reallocate resources to core programs such as game fish conservation, education, rules, record keeping and maintaining the history of our sport”. The headquarters for the 75 year-old world-renowned fishing organization will remain in the IGFA facility along with the E. K. Harry Library of Fishes, the world’s largest collection of fishing films, photographs and publications on recreational fishing.
The decision comes after several months of discussions among IGFA Board members and the Bass Pro Shops team concerning the benefits of relocating the attraction and its relevance to the IGFA’s overall mission. The IGFA’s involvement with education and conservation initiatives around the world has increased significantly over the last decade. By continuing to direct its efforts to these important areas, the IGFA will increase its effectiveness both nationally and internationally.
Timing for the transition will be announced sometime in mid-April, 2015.
****The New Museum Will Feature****
- The Fishing Heritage Hall where the IGFA exhibit will be housed will be 60,000 square feet and have a 300,000 gallon aquarium that will hold pelagic game fish.
- 315,000 square-feet in total area
- A total of 1.3 million gallons of water
- 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds
