The National Rowing Foundation

Eton, 4th of June,
Procession of Boats (1889)
(Yes, that is the Eton 10-oar!)

Magazine Images

Rowing History

In addition to direct support of competitive teams at the international level, the NRF actively supports the collection, preservation and interpretation of rowing history through the NRF's National Rowing Hall of Fame and collections of artifacts at Mystic Seaport Museum.

The NRF is currently setting up a program with Mystic Seaport Museum to provide archival storage of these historic items from rowing history. These include rowing shells, oars and sculls, rigging, boatbuilding equipment, trophies, awards and banners, books, personal notes, oral histories and memorabilia.

To make a donation of a rowing boat, equipment or other artifact, contact Hart Perry, NRF Executive Director.

View photos from the opening of the
The National Rowing Hall of Fame & Rowing History Exhibit
at the Mystic Seaport Museum

Friends of Rowing History
See also the Bill Miller's Friends of Rowing History web site

Newspaper articles:
Space Dedicated in Mystic Seaport
Hall of Fame for Rowers

ROWING HISTORY TIMELINE

The Friends of Rowing History is an informal group interested in the rich history of rowing. In 1992, the group, comrpised of Ted English, Llewllyn Howland, Tom Mendennhall, Bill Miller, Hart Perry, Bob Reed, Julien Tavener, and Tom Weil, assembled at the Union Boat Club, Boston, to share their common interest in celebrating rowing's past. Many ideas were expressed regarding how to preserve this history before it all fades away and crumbles into dust.

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The Bayer Collection

Ernestine ("Ernie" or "Momma") Bayer is generally known as Mother of Women's rowing

Rowing Shell &
Oar Collection

Well over 20 shells and numerous vintage oars & sculls have been donated to the NRF and Mystic Seaport to make one of the most complete collections of vintage rowing shells in the world.

Do you have any vintage rowing items?

Medals, trophies, photos, programs, equipment, etc. If so, please contact us. Items donated qualify as charitable, tax-deductible contributions.