|
Ice skating is one of many sports which evolved from everyday life. The need for winter transportation led to the development of the ice skate, first constructed from jaw bones and then wood and iron. From these rudimentary beginnings evolved the sport of figure skating, our most beautiful sport.
In a similar way, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum began humbly in Boston, Massachusetts in 1965 as a small collection of skating and records. In 1979 when the United States Figure Skating Association moved its headquarters to the foothills of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, Colorado it dedicated a large portion of its new office building to the Museum.
The first skating club in the United States was the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society, formed in 1849. The first all-iron skate, which clipped on to the boot and dispensed with straps, was also introduced in Philadelphia, in 1850. Skating club members were required to carry rope with them whenever they went skating in the event of an accident. In 1869 alone 259 rescues were reported by club members.
In 1858, the first properly maintained ice rink was organized on the lake in Central Park, New York. By 1862 the first skating carnival was held on frozen Union Pond in Brooklyn. The American Skating Congress organized in 1868 but skating competitions stayed at the club level. The first American championship was not held until 1889. Figure Skating started in the Olympics in 1908, 16 years before the first separate Winter Olympics. Since that time, figure skating has been the centerpiece of the Winter Olympics and Olympic competition is at the heart of the exhibitions at the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum.
Before those displays, however, is a strange curio in a museum dedicated to our most gracious sport. It is a silver figurine commemorating the only known battle fought on ice skates. In 1572 when the Spanish attempted to invade Amsterdam the harbor froze over. Undaunted the Spaniards strapped on skates to complete their invasion. The Dutch joined the battle and, being fine skaters, easily beat back their attackers.
The World Figure Skating Hall of Fame and Museum is resplendent in its collection of fine skating art, figurines of ivory and blown glass, engravings, porcelain pieces and prints. The pride of the Museum is "Skating in Art," the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Gillis Grafstrom of Sweden. Grafstrom was Olympic Champion in 1920, 1924, and 1928 and silver medalist in 1932.
Other unique artwork includes an Andy Warhol acrylic painting with a silk screen overlay of 1976 gold medalist Dorothy Hamill. A sculpture captures Jackson Haines performing the first spin on ice in 1864. Haines was also the first to choreograph and perform skating to music. Dazzling costumes of skating legends are displayed throughout the Museum.
In a special Skate Gallery are over 200 antique skates tracing over 1,200 years of the development of the skate. The first skates were crafted from the jawbones of animals. Later skates have added runners, ornate decorations, metals, and stilts.
The World Hall of Fame Gallery, inaugurated in 1975, occupies the center of the main level. Each enshrinee is honored with a plaque containing a photograph and competitive record. Members are inducted from the pre-modern era and the modern era. The lower level exhibits feature framed Olympic posters, pins, coins, and patches. There is a striking photo collection of Sonja Henie, three-time Olympic gold medal winner and Hollywood star.
Skating clubs across the country are represented with pins and trophies. A memorial is dedicated to the 1961 United States Figure Skating Team which perished in an airplane crash in Brussels on their way to the World Championships. The video "Magic Memories On Ice" airs continually with the superb performances of Hall of Famers such as Peggy Fleming, Irina Rodnina, and Scott Hamilton.
The World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame, the only museum devoted solely to the sport of figure skating, is open weekdays throughout the year. Saturday hours are added during the summer. Admission is free.
| 
