[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 4, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE--50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. NATIONAL SKI HALL 
                           OF FAME AND MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2005

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the United States 
National Ski Hall of Fame and Museum that honors the birthplace of the 
national sport of skiing in Ishpeming, Michigan. The National Ski Hall 
of Fame and Museum is celebrating 50 years of honoring the history and 
the sport of skiing along with the athletes, coaches and supporters of 
the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA).
  The USSA, originally known as the National Ski Association (NSA), 
first considered a national ski museum in 1938 during a national 
convention. With great support, historian Harold Grinden thought it was 
appropriate for Ishpeming to be the site for the building because in 
1904 the local Ishpeming Ski Club founded the national group making it 
the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States. However, due 
to World War II, the NSA could not begin building the museum until 
1947. After 6 years of organizing, designing and construction, the 
museum was finally dedicated in February 1954.
  It was that year that Grinden proposed honoring the ``greats'' of 
their sport through an induction into a ``Hall of Fame'' as many other 
national sports were doing at the time. Then in 1955, the National Ski 
Museum's name was changed to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and 
Museum. To date, the Hall of Fame proudly displays photos and short 
bios of 342 inductees.
  In the 1980's space became a problem for the U.S. National Ski Hall 
of Fame and Museum. In 1992, the group opened their doors to a new 
structure over 6 times larger than the original building. With the 
additional space, the Museum was able to feature newly designed 
depictions of such historic events as Norwegian ``ski troopers'' 
carrying infant Prince Haakon over mountains to safety in 1206 and a 
mural by local artist Roger Junak of the American 10th Mountain 
Division in WWII during the ferocious battles of the Italian Campaign. 
It also displays a WWII ``weasel'', used as a groomer in its early 
years, as well as various forms of uphill transportation and a historic 
timeline of the development of skiing.
  The current building with its ``ski-hill'' sloped roof remains in 
Ishpeming, Michigan and encompasses a gift shop, library of more than 
1,300 books, magazines and videos, as well as an auditorium featuring a 
20-minute orientation for visitors. Early medals won by famous athletes 
of the sport are displayed with pride along with the most modern of ski 
equipment emphasizing the growth of the sport through the years. The 
most historic reference in the collection is a replica of a ski and 
pole dug out of a Swedish bog dating back to some 4000 years.
  The U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and Museum rightly honors the 
legacy and athletic greatness that has graced this sport through 
history. Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of Representatives 
to join me in congratulating the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and 
Museum on their first 50 years and in wishing them success in the 
future as they continue to honor the past.

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