Hall of Fame for Great Americans | Bronx

The Hall of Fame for Great Americans, located at Bronx Community College (BCC) in the Bronx, New York, is one of the oldest and most significant monuments to American history and achievements. It is a unique outdoor gallery that honors distinguished Americans who have made remarkable contributions in various fields such as politics, science, literature, and the arts.

History and Creation

The Hall of Fame was established in 1900 by a visionary group of individuals, including the prominent American philanthropist and industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, who donated funding for the project. The idea behind the Hall of Fame was to create a place that would honor those who had made profound contributions to the development and progress of the United States.

The project was conceived by the College of the City of New York (now known as the City College of New York), and the Hall of Fame was built on the university’s former campus, which is now home to Bronx Community College. The original construction of the hall and surrounding area was designed by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, and its creation was overseen by the Hall of Fame’s first director, Dr. Henry Mitchell.

Location and Structure

The Hall of Fame is located on the grounds of Bronx Community College, situated atop a hill with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Hall of Fame itself consists of a circular colonnade of 96 granite busts, each representing a distinguished American. These busts are arranged in a semi-circular layout, and each one is placed in a niche, along with a plaque commemorating the individual’s achievements.

The Hall of Fame building is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park that features sculptures, monuments, and fountains. The setting provides a serene and reflective atmosphere for visitors to appreciate the historical figures honored within the Hall.

Inductees and Categories

The Hall of Fame honors individuals from various fields, including politics, military service, exploration, literature, music, arts, science, and more. The inductees are chosen based on their contributions to American society and their lasting impact on the country’s history.

Some notable inductees include:

George Washington: First President of the United States and Founding Father.

Abraham Lincoln: 16th President, known for his leadership during the Civil War and his role in the abolition of slavery.

Thomas Edison: Inventor and businessman, widely credited with the invention of the electric light bulb.

Helen Keller: Author, activist, and the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree.

Mark Twain: Renowned author and humorist, famous for works such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Alexander Hamilton: Founding Father and the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.

Maya Angelou: Poet, singer, and civil rights activist, known for her works on African American culture and experiences.

These individuals represent just a fraction of those who have been inducted into the Hall. Over the years, the Hall of Fame has become a symbol of the diverse achievements that have shaped the United States.

Induction Process

The process of selecting inductees into the Hall of Fame is thorough and deliberate. Candidates are nominated by a panel of experts in various fields, including historians, scholars, and public figures. The nominations are reviewed, and selections are made based on the individual’s historical importance and lasting influence on American society.

The first class of inductees was selected in 1900, and since then, additional names have been added to the Hall over the decades. The inductees are chosen through a combination of public input and expert judgment.

Visitor Experience

The Hall of Fame offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of some of the most influential figures in American history. The park-like setting allows for leisurely exploration, and the granite busts provide a tangible connection to these historical figures. The Hall of Fame is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour to learn more about each of the inductees and their contributions.

In addition to the busts, there is an inscription at the entrance of the Hall that sums up its purpose: “A memorial to the heroes of our country’s past, whose lives and works shall be an inspiration to the generations that follow.”

The Hall of Fame for Great Americans continues to be a source of pride for the Bronx and for New York City, offering a lasting tribute to the vision and achievements of the individuals who helped shape the United States.

Significance and Legacy

The Hall of Fame for Great Americans remains a unique monument in the United States, as it is both an outdoor gallery and an academic institution. It stands as a symbol of the diverse contributions that have helped make America a global power. Visitors not only learn about the history of these great individuals but also about the evolving ideals and values that have shaped the nation.

As time passes, the Hall of Fame continues to serve as a reminder of the collective effort and vision of those who have worked to make the United States a better place. It remains an important historical landmark that continues to educate and inspire.