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Consider a Membership in the Historical Society

Your donation helps to support our mission to respect the past and be a cornerstone for the future.

The Lawrence County Historical Society is a tax exempt, charitable 501(c)3 organization. All membership contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For over half a century, the Lawrence County Historical Society has preserved and displayed the heritage of all our citizens.

Sports Hall of Fame
They set themselves apart from others in the arenas, the hardwood courts, and the playing fields. They won acclaim for running the fastest, jumping the highest, winning championships and otherwise distinguishing themselves in high school, college and at professional levels. To honor its sports legends, the Society annually inducts new members into the ranks of the Sports Hall of Fame. This permanent exhibition features sports greats such as Chuck Tanner, Butler Hennon, and Darrell Dess. It combines sports memorabilia and photographs to depict the great teams and players who broke the records and defied the odds.   Brief History of the Sports Hall of Fame Dr Ellis Hoffman: 2011 Hall of Honor Inductee Coverage of Hall of Fame Inductees (source: New Castle News) Coverage of Induction Banquet (source: New Castle News)
Hall of Fame Inductees: 1984-present
Basketball Highlights	Football Highlights	Golf Highlights
Baseball Highlights	Boxing Highlights	Track & Field Highlights

A Brief History of the Sports Hall of Fame

In the Fall of 1983, Dr. Ellis Hoffman and other members of the Lawrence County Historical Society's Board of Directors approached New Castle News Managing Editor, Robert Vosburg, with an idea of organizing a committee to research local athletes and preserve their achievements through a formal recognition ceremony. Vosburg organized a committee, established guidelines and went to work. The first class was inducted in the spring of 1984. This inaugural class included: Dick Allen, Phil Bridenbaugh, Darrell Dess, L. Butler Hennon, Don Hennon, Walter Mangham, Bill McPeak, C.G. "Buzz" Ridle, Chuck Tanner, and Lewis "Hack" Wilson.

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2011 Hall of Honor Inductee Dr. Ellis Hoffman

This year our Hall of Honor inductee is Dr. Ellis Hoffman, a central and energetic figure in the Lawrence County Historical Society and the Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame. Along with Robert Vosburg, he helped establish the Sports Hall of Fame. He focused much of his attention on uncovering the achievements of athletes who were long departed so that they would not be forgotten to the annuals of time. Dr. Hoffman passed away in 2002 following a battle with cancer but left behind quite a benevolent legacy and a pride in his community which he helped to change for the better.

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