American Museum of Natural History Research Library
author: American Museum of Natural History

Champions of American Sport (Exhibition)
birth: 1982 March 19
death: 1982 June 27
Exhibition. Opened in March 19, 1982 and closed June 27, 1982. Located in Section 3, Floor 3 in Gallery 3 at the American Museum of Natural History. "Champions of American Sport" was an exhibition devoted to the nation's outstanding athletic personalities.
Summary
"Champions of American Sport" was an exhibition devoted to the nation's outstanding athletic personalities. On view were photographic action shots and portraits of 100 great American athletes and other sports figures in 16 sports covering the past 150 years. Included were paintings and sculptures by major artists such as Bellows, Warhol and Wyeth as well as a variety of sports memorabilia. The 1938 Maserati which was driven by Wilbur Shaw was on display. A film, Champions of American Sport narrated by Red Smith, accompanied the exhibition. The exhibit was conceived by Dennis O'Toole, the then former curator of education at The National Portrait Gallery, and organized by Beverly Cox, Marc Pachter and Ken Yellis. It originated at The National Portrait Gallery and appeared also at the Chicago Historical Society. Sponsored by Philip Morris Incorporated and its operating company, the Miller Brewing Company, the exhibit was on view in Gallery 3 of the American Museum of Natural History from March 19 through June 27, 1982.
Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: National Portrait Gallery; Dennis O'Toole.