November 08, 2008
World Golf Hall of Fame to Showcase Hundreds of Bob Hope Artifacts in
Upcoming Special Exhibition, "Shanks for the Memory"
Exhibit to open Nov. 8, 2008-Veteran's Day Weekend
St. Augustine, Fla. (September 2, 2008) - World Golf Hall of Fame member Bob Hope shared his love of golf with millions by way of multiple entertainment genres and beginning Saturday, November 8, the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla. will pay tribute to his life in a special exhibition, "Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory." Set to offer the largest collection of Hope memorabilia ever placed on public display in a single exhibition, "Shanks" will remain on display throughout 2009.
"The family is thrilled that the World Golf Hall of Fame is going to exhibit Dad's golf memorabilia," said Linda Hope, Bob Hope's daughter. "Dad would have loved the idea that things he saved and cherished will finally be shared with others who love the game of golf."
"The World Golf Hall of Fame is committed to sharing the fascinating stories of the Hall of Fame members, like Bob Hope, who made great contributions to help bring the sport to where it is today," said Jack Peter, the Hall's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "This exhibit has given us a golden opportunity to build out a tribute to an American entertainment icon, who, by the way, was 100% utterly addicted to golf."
Guests will find rich storytelling alongside more than 300 artifacts as they wind through a variety of set pieces designed to reflect the different eras and locations significant to Hope's life, including England, Cleveland, New York, Hollywood, Palm Springs, Washington D.C. and sites of USO shows around the world.
In each set, stories covering a broad range of topics will be revealed, including the special relationship he shared with his wife Dolores, with whom he regularly played golf, as well as his achievements in live entertainment, radio, television, books and movies throughout eight decades of the 20th century. The exhibition will offer insight into the close friendships Hope shared with Hall of Fame members, celebrities and United States Presidents over the years. It also will look at the impact Hope made as a fervent entertainer of the men and women of the United States Military, which was validated in 1997 when he became the first person in American history to be named an Honorary Veteran.
A video presentation in the specially created Bob Hope Theater will feature some of Hope's best-known golf stand-up and skits, as well as tributes from some of the game's most recognizable personalities.
While displaying varied artifacts from nearly every aspect of Hope's life of more than a century, the exhibit will feature a red carpet walk through Hope's "majors," featuring artifacts that represent some of the most important achievements in his life. Some highlights include:
- the 1997 Congressional Resolution naming Hope an Honorary Veteran for his humanitarian services to the United States Armed Forces, which was the first such award granted in American history;
- the Knight Commander of the British Empire Medal (KBE) Hope received in 1999, when he became only the third American to receive the award at the time;
- the Honorary Oscar Hope received at the 25th Annual Academy Awards in 1953 "For His Contribution To The Laughter Of The World - His Service To The Motion Picture Industry and His Devotion To The American Premise";
- the PGA money clip he received in 1942 by the PGA of America, which he carried through his life; and a familiar driver that Hope used on stage as a prop during his USO Tours.
Additionally, the exhibit will feature a sampling of the 54 honorary degrees Hope received and accolades from the golf industry including his Bob Jones Award and Old Tom Morris Award. Additional entertainment honors including Golden Globe, Emmy and People's Choice awards will be on display, as well as military shirts and costumes Hope wore during TV shows and a sampling of letters from veterans, fans, celebrities and Presidents across the world giving Hope "thanks for the memory."
Hope is considered by many to be one of golf's greatest promoters and a dedicated amateur who admitted to playing more than 2,000 golf courses around the world-often with celebrities, professionals and even presidents. Hope's affection for golf went beyond playing, making an impact as an author, promoter, sponsor and educator of the game. The exhibition will look at the various ways he championed the game, including the development and hosting of the PGA TOUR's Bob Hope Classic, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 with special host, Hall of Fame Member Arnold Palmer.
"Bob Hope: Shanks for the Memory" is the latest in a series of Hall of Fame member-focused exhibitions developed by the World Golf Hall of Fame. Other members that have been featured include Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.
About the World Golf Hall of Fame
World Golf Hall of Fame is the ultimate destination for the celebration and recognition of golf's greatest players and contributors and an inspiration to golfers and fans throughout the world. A collaboration of 26 national and international golf organizations support the Hall of Fame, including the PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, Augusta National, PGA of America, The European Tour and The R&A. The museum houses interactive exhibits and historic and personal artifacts that tell the stories of its members and the game of golf. The Hall of Fame is located at World Golf Village, a resort destination celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008. For more information, visit http://www.wgv.com.
As sole founding partner of World Golf Hall of Fame, The First Tee and World Golf Village, Shell Oil Company provides financial support and plays the lead role in charitable initiatives aimed at introducing golf to young people, and through the golf experience promotes scholastic achievement, community service and those values intrinsic to the game of golf: honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.
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