Poultry Hall of Fame
Who Are Your Poultry Heroes?
Poultry heroes come from industry, academia, and government agencies. The American Poultry Historical Society is looking for nominations of those exceptional poultry leaders for the American Poultry History Society Hall of Fame.
Honoring Poultry Leaders
The APHS honors poultry leaders who have “had significant and lasting impact on the poultry industry” and “have exhibited leadership and given assistance in stimulating interest in preserving the heritage of the poultry industry.” The society keeps archives of biographies and descriptions of outstanding developments in poultry. They also collect and preserve historical objects and pictures.
They have published three commemorative histories: from 1823-1973; 1974-1993; and a centennial volume in 2008.
Represent Backyard Flocks
Backyard flock keepers are invited to nominate individuals who have distinguished themselves for accomplishments and contributions to poultry. The APHS inducts up to five new members every three years. 2024 is the year.
The Hall of Fame, started in 1953, currently honors 103 Canadian and U.S. industry leaders, representing organizational leaders, educators, and industry innovators from commercial companies. Portraits and biographies of all those honored in the Hall of Fame are on the website. Lou Arrington, currently serving as APHS treasurer, was inducted in 2013.
Nominations Open Every 3 Years
Every three years, the APHS casts a wide net in seeking nominees. Michelle Hall, Professor Emerita and Small Poultry Flock Specialist at Clemson University is leading the nominating committee. She has also served on the 4-H Youth Development Program Team, has taught Small Flock workshops, and is presently developing an on-line small flock poultry course. She personally keeps a backyard flock and is supportive of backyard flock keeping.
“Individuals that contribute to the genetics and preservation of poultry breeds have contributed to the Poultry World as much as someone who has discovered an essential nutrient or in a poultry diet,” she said.
Pioneers and Legends
Those who don’t fit the Hall of Fame may be designated as APHS Pioneers and Legends. Those on that list may also be nominated to the Hall of Fame. No poultry leaders have been added to that list in recent years. Loyl Stromberg is the most recent addition to that list.
“Many backyard flock owners (I count myself among them) have made considerable contributions to the world of poultry, especially in the area of genetics and breed conservation, as well as to the historical significance of poultry to the poultry industry today,” Dr. Hall said.
How to Nominate
Nominations include professional credentials and personal letters of reference. Those writing the letters are encouraged to recount their personal experiences with the nominee.
“They might have an interesting story about the nominee they would like to share,” Dr. Hall said. “That makes the nomination more personal.”
The nominations are evaluated by a committee of nine individuals: three from government, three from academia, and three from industry.
Nominations are submitted online, deadline November 1, 2024. Nominations are free. The APHS prefers nominations of people who are still living, but deceased people are also eligible. As many as five will be inducted at a ceremony in January, 2025 at IPPE.
Contact her at mahall@clemson.edu, 864-885-2197, or online for the nomination forms.
New members will be inducted at a ceremony at the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta in January 2025.
History on Display
APHS displays the recipients’ plaques and portraits in the APHS Museum, now housed in the Hatchery at the National Agricultural Center in Bonners Springs, Kansas. APHS encourages anyone with valuable poultry artifacts and documents to preserve these items as a part of America’s agricultural heritage. The society works with museums and libraries located throughout North America to preserve poultry history.
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, has a poultry husbandry collection housed at Rice Hall, founded in memory of the late Professor James E. Rice. APHS has also placed historic material at the National Agricultural Library, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Agricultural Museum of South Carolina.
Christine Heinrichs is the author of How to Raise Chickens, available through the Countryside store, and the Backyard Field Guide to Chickens, available on the MOTHER EARTH NEWS store.
Originally published in the August/September 2024 issue of Backyard Poultry and regularly vetted for accuracy.
