May 26, 2018 through September 3, 2018
Bob Hope: An American Treasure
The 2,200-square foot traveling exhibition tells the story of Bob Hope, an American comedian, actor and entertainer whose career started in the 1930’s and continued through the 1990’s. The exhibition includes a series of themed exhibit display units that celebrate his comedic contributions, achievements in entertainment, relationships with a number of U.S. Presidents and his other passion – golf. It traces his family’s arrival at Ellis Island, life as part of an immigrant family in Cleveland, his struggles to succeed in New York in entertainment, the success and family life he found in Hollywood and how golf and his love for the military took him around the world.
The traveling exhibition includes reproductions of more than 200 vintage photos, seven videos and more than 170 items including an original vaudeville contract from 1922, his Ellis Island medal, the final set of golf clubs used in his life, Emmy and Honorary Oscar awards, an outfit he wore during USO tours, gifts and awards from Presidents and other celebrities, his Congressional Gold Medal awarded by President John F. Kennedy, and his “Honorary Veteran Citation” from Congress, which he called the most important honor of his life.
The exhibition was designed and created by the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum in cooperation with the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation.