Cooperstown, New York, the revered home of baseball history, recently served as the distinguished host for the International Sports Heritage Association's (ISHA) annual conference. From October 7-9, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (NBHFM) welcomed nearly 100 attendees from across the United States and Canada, bringing together leaders and professionals dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of sports heritage.
The International Sports Heritage Association, established in 1971, stands as the world's largest membership group for sports museums, halls of fame, and institutions committed to the preservation of sports heritage. With over 130 member organizations globally, ISHA's mission is to educate, promote, and support professionals and institutions within this vital field.
A Showcase of Excellence and Collaboration
The decision to host the 2025 conference in Cooperstown was a natural fit, providing ISHA members with a unique opportunity to experience the iconic National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum firsthand. According to ISHA Executive Director Shane Mailman, selecting Cooperstown was "a no brainer" when approached by the NBHFM. The Hall of Fame embraced the chance to showcase its "world-class Museum" and its recent, acclaimed exhibits, including "The Souls of the Game," "Yakyu | Baseball," and "Getting the Nod," making 2025 an ideal year for the event.
The conference agenda was packed with industry seminars and presentations, fostering an environment for the exchange of ideas and cooperative ventures among sports heritage professionals. Events were not solely confined to the Hall of Fame itself, with activities also taking place at the picturesque Fenimore Farm and Country Village, offering attendees a broader experience of the Cooperstown area.
Distinguished Speakers and Honorees
A highlight of the conference was the array of esteemed guest speakers who shared their insights and expertise. Among them was Jim Small, President of the World Baseball Classic and a representative from Major League Baseball, who contributed to the discussions. Claire Smith, the recipient of the 2017 Baseball Writers' Association of America Career Excellence Award, also delivered a presentation, offering her unique perspective on the sport's history and narrative.
The much-anticipated Evening of Champions event featured a keynote speech from Brian Kenny of MLB Network, whose address was a focal point of the awards dinner. These prominent voices underscored the significance of the conference as a gathering point for thought leaders in sports heritage.
A poignant moment of the conference was the presentation of the ISHA Legacy Award to Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This honor, created in 2018, acknowledges an individual or organization within the geographical area of the annual conference for their significant contributions to local sports heritage. ISHA President Kent Sturman lauded Clark's dedication, stating that her commitment to the NBHFM is a primary reason for the institution's high regard within the industry.
Recognizing Excellence: The ISHY Awards
Beyond the Legacy Award, the conference also served as the platform for the announcement and presentation of the annual ISHY Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding work of ISHA member organizations across various categories, highlighting their efforts in preserving and promoting sports history.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum itself was a notable recipient of several ISHY citations, underscoring its innovative and impactful work. Among the awards received by the NBHFM were: an honor for its "Hall of Fame East-West Classic: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Game Program" in the Publications category, recognizing its commemorative efforts for an important historical event.
The Museum also earned an award for its "Social Media Campaign: School Resource Kits," demonstrating its commitment to educational outreach through modern platforms. Furthermore, its "Black Baseball Initiative Educational Outreach Program" was recognized in the Education Programming category, highlighting its dedication to sharing crucial stories from baseball's past. The video presentation within the Museum's "The Souls of the Game" exhibit also garnered an award, showcasing the Hall's excellence in digital storytelling.
Engaging Experiences Beyond the Sessions
Attendees had opportunities for engagement beyond the formal sessions. A pre-conference trip offered a bus tour of Cooperstown's local attractions, including historical sites and cultural landmarks. This excursion included visits to Doubleday Field, Rustic Ridge Winery, Hyde Hall, Fly Creek Cider Mill, and concluded with drinks and dinner at Brewery Ommegang, providing a taste of the region's charm and hospitality.
The conference also facilitated networking through events like the "Cocktails & Convos Reception" and a hospitality suite, encouraging informal discussions and connections among professionals who share a passion for sports heritage. The registration fees for the conference were set at $450 USD for ISHA members (early bird) and $650 USD for non-members, with a slight increase after the early-bird deadline.
The successful hosting of the ISHA conference by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum reinforces Cooperstown's standing as a paramount destination for sports history and a hub for professionals dedicated to its preservation. The event underscored the ongoing commitment of ISHA and its members to honor the past, educate the present, and inspire future generations through the power of sports heritage.
