Virtual Vault gives bowlers a look at sport’s history from anywhere

From vintage bowling fashion to antique bowling toys and historical photos to collectible bowling-themed beer steins, the Bowling Virtual Vault has it all.

The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame launched the Bowling Virtual Vault last year to provide fans of the game a way to experience the vast online collection from anywhere around the globe. With current health-related social-distancing guidelines due to the coronavirus outbreak, free online accessibility to that rich history can offer a much-needed break from news reports.

“The Vault is important to bowling’s history because it increases accessibility for more people to learn about our sport’s heritage,” said Kari Smith, curator and program manager of the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame. “Not everyone is able to come to the museum in Texas – and, of course, it’s now temporarily closed, so no one is able to visit at this time – so showcasing some of our collection online increases our audience to the international scope we have been striving for.”

This online archive details the technological development of the sport, featuring centuries-old pins from collector Lin Kessler along with automated machines from bowling’s golden age. There is also an assortment of vintage bowling balls and bags, not to mention stylish shoes and shirts and, even, not-so-flattering bowling dresses.

“The Bowling Virtual Vault provides access to great memorabilia, and visitors also will learn about the greatest players, teams, moments and so much more about bowling’s history,” said Mike Aulby, president/chairman of the IBMHOF Board of Trustees. “It is a fun and engaging look at bowling for even the most casual fans of the sport.”

Some of the collections include bowling around the world, bowling toys and games, bowling stars in the 20th century, bowling fashion, the early period of bowling, bowling collectibles, and bowling beer steins. The Vault highlights areas of the collection the museum is unable to exhibit year round. Also included on the site are videos from vintage lanes. The exhibits are easy to navigate and Smith encourages visitors to share Vault content via social media with other bowlers, and keep the conversation rolling about everyone’s favorite sport.

“Many museums are headed in this direction by sharing their collections on online databases and we are proud to be part of this movement,” Smith said.

To view the many treasures in the Bowling Virtual Vault, visit www.bowlingheritage.com

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