Steve Howse

The Canadian Football Hall of Fame was awarded to Hamilton in February 1962 after a successful presentation by Mayor Lloyd D. Jackson. In 1968 a prime location next to City Hall became available. Hamilton was hosting the Grey Cup game in 1972 and the new glass and marble Hall of Fame building opened during the Grey Cup week festivities. Each year a Selection Committee of learned football individuals from across the country, elect up to five individuals for induction into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Consideration is given in two categories: BUILDERS: Any person who had made an outstanding contribution to football in Canada other than as a player. PLAYER: Any person who has played a minimum of five years of amateur or professional football in Canada, and who has achieved outstanding and extraordinary success as a player. A special section of exhibitry is dedicated to the Hall of Famers. The Zone of Champions display includes a steel bust and brief biography of each honoured member as well as a computer interactive kiosk with photos and video highlights. To date, 219 Hall of Famers are included in the Zone of Champions. Promoting all levels of Canadian football, the other exhibits at the Hall of Fame and Museum illustrate the rich history of the game at all levels. Two traveling exhibits were developed and are available for rent by contracting the Hall of Fame. Two exciting education programs provide students grades K-8 with the opportunity to discover the wonderful and unique history of Canadian football. The artifact collections were started in the early 1960s and have increased to over 30,000 items consisting of trophies, helmets, playing equipment, game and record balls, jerseys, sweaters, jackets, flags, banners, photographs, films and videos. The Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum operates as a non-profit registered charity and has a full-time staff compliment of two with over 70 volunteers.