AMFF Partnership with Wonders of Wildlife
AMFF Partnering with Wonders of Wildlife
We spent 2018 celebrating our 50th Anniversary – and what a celebration it has been! The year was full of reflection and momentous accomplishments that have positioned AMFF perfectly to launch into the next 50 years.
True to our mission, the American Museum of Fly Fishing, is the steward of the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly fishing and promotes the conservation of its waters. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, studies, and interprets the artifacts, art, and literature of the sport and, through a variety of outreach platforms, uses these resources to engage, educate, and benefit all.
In support of the Museum’s mission, we are thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees has voted to partner with Johnny Morris and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium to install an exhibition highlighting the history of fly fishing.
Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, Wonders of Wildlife is a unique 350,000-square-foot experience celebrating those who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located in Springfield, Missouri within a day’s drive for half the country’s population, the not-for-profit Wonders of Wildlife has been voted “America’s Best New Attraction” and “America’s Best Aquarium” by the readers of USA TODAY.
Introducing new generations to fly fishing is critical to the long-term future of AMFF and the sport we love. Reaching a substantially wider audience (Wonders of Wildlife welcomed an incredible 1.6 million visitors in their first year of operation) as well as the expanded space to display significant artifacts from our diverse collection (many of which have never been on public display), we are confident that this partnership will better position AMFF to fulfill its mission.
The American Museum of Fly Fishing will continue as before in its Manchester, Vermont location offering our exhibitions, educational programming, access to the Gardner L. Grant fly fishing library, and production of the American Fly Fisher journal, one of the greatest benefits of being a member of the AMFF. Your membership will continue to support this important work while we expand our overall impact and to grow the interest of fly fishing.
We anticipate the new space at Wonders of Wildlife to open sometime in 2020 and will share updates as these exciting plans come together. If you have any additional questions, please contact Sarah Foster directly at sfoster@amff.org or 802-362-3300 x 201.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Karen Kaplan
AMFF Board President
Our Collection
Search Our Online Collections
Explore our new online collections database as AMFF continually works to digitally document our vast holdings and make our cataloged records public for research.
Explore Our Reel Collection
The Museum maintains an impressive collection of 1,200 reels that demonstrate the evolution from the early cast bronze reels to today’s lightweight aluminum reels. The collection includes some well-known and other lesser-known reel makers from around the world.
Explore Our Fly Collection
Some of the most notable names in the history of fly tying—including Theodore Gordon, Preston Jennings, George LaBranche, Edward Hewitt, Megan Boyd, Lee Wulff, and Helen Shaw—are represented in the Museum’s fly collection of more than 22,000 flies. The collection also includes the oldest documented flies in existence.
Explore Our Rod Collection
Our collection comprises more than 1,400 rods, from an early nineteenth-century wooden rod once belonging to Daniel Webster to today's ultralight graphite models. Rods made by Leonard, Murphy, Thomas, Edwards, Chubb, Orvis, and their contemporaries represent the early development of American fly rods, whereas the efforts of later artisans such as Gillum, Garrison, Payne, Dickerson, Powell, and Young trace the evolution of the bamboo rod throughout the twentieth century. The collection also holds rods that once belonged to a number of well-known figures, including Babe Ruth, Winslow Homer, Ernest Hemingway, Herbert Hoover, Ted Williams, Glenn Miller, and Dwight Eisenhower.
Explore Our Art & Media Collection
Everyone knows about the Museum’s outstanding collection of rods, reels, and flies, but our collection of art, photographs, and other media offer us another method of documenting and preserving fly-fishing history.
Our holdings contain over 700 prints and paintings, 90 linear feet of photographs and archival materials, and 1700 pieces of ephemera. One of our recent projects was to interview, record, and film nine saltwater fly-fishing pioneers as they recounted the changes in the saltwater field during its explosive growth during the mid-twentieth century, interviews which were later incorporated into our traveling saltwater exhibition.
Art & Media
Explore Our Art Collection
Everyone knows about the Museum’s outstanding collection of rods, reels, and flies, but our collection of art, photographs, and other media offer us another method of documenting and preserving fly-fishing history. Our holdings contain over 700 prints and paintings, 90 linear feet of photographs and archival materials, and 1700 pieces of ephemera.
VISIT & DISCOVER
The Museum & The Batten Kill
Two fly fishing classics that are worth the pilgrimage.
The Museum
Winter hours (November–May): Thursday–Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Summer hours (June–October): Tuesday–Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids (ages 5–14), $20 for families, and free for AMFF members and their guests. Closed major holidays.
Our museum in beautiful Manchester, Vermont, is truly a sight to see. An 1800s era farmhouse houses our impressive collection of angling history including over 40,000 artifacts from fly fishing legends, presidents, and common anglers alike. Prepare to be amazed.
The Batten Kill
Several small tributaries gather at Mt. Equinox to form the Batten Kill, from which the river flows fifty miles through southwestern Vermont and New York until it meets up with the Hudson River near Saratoga. The river winds through farmland and forest as if straight out of a painting, inspiring actual artists such as John Atherton and Norman Rockwell to set up residence along the ‘Kill and tap into its picturesque setting. Fishing Licenses, Rules & Regulations
Places To Stay
Every fly angler needs a place to hang their waders. Please consider a stay with our area lodging sponsors.
Equinox Resort
A Manchester establishment if there ever was one, the Equinox boasts over 200 years of history, six different architectural styles, and 17 different structures; has been visited by four different American Presidents; and served as a hotbed for American Revolutionaries. Its classic New England charm beckons you to join them for a relaxing stay or spa day.
Inn At Manchester
Vermont lodging at its coziest and most inviting when you stay at this historic family-owned Manchester B&B Inn and Carriage House. 21 guest rooms and 12 suites are available for your weekend getaway just steps away from the American Museum of Fly Fishing.
Dorset Inn
For more than 219 years, The Dorset Inn has offered traditional New England hospitality...gracious lodgings, gourmet dining, fine wine & great spirits...all trademarks of a quintessential Vermont experience.
The Barrows House
Barrows House and its cluster of eight buildings are centered on six acres of lovely gardens, expansive lawns and venerable trees. Lodging options include luxury suites with whirlpool baths and fireplaces to cottages with multiple guest rooms and their gastropub offers some of the finest food in the region.
The Taconic Hotel
Surrounded by mountains in picturesque Manchester Village, Taconic offers couples, families and wedding parties a free-spirited take on a New England escape that’s both classic and highly curated to your preferences. Call it quintessential Vermont with a fresh twist.
The Aspen At Manchester
The Aspen, family owned and operated, offers friendly New England hospitality in the heart of Manchester Vermont and a variety of homey, comfortable lodging accommodations to suit all your family's vacation needs.
Barnstead Inn
14 wonderful rooms, spacious, yet cozy—each with private bath, air conditioning, cable television, individual thermostats, courtesy coffee, wireless Internet access and firm comfortable beds all tucked into a New England carriage house built in the 1830s—its rugged weathered beams remain, silent reminders of the past.
The Manchester View Motel
The Manchester View is a 36 Room Fine Lodging Property with large rooms and suites, amenities and beautiful views, and a very convenient location. Known for its' many in-room working wood and gas fireplaces, 1 & 2 persons spa tubs, and 1 & 2 bedroom suites, the Manchester View sits high up on a hill offering magnificent sweeping views of the historic Route 7A Valley.
Pond Mountain Inn
Located in the beautiful Wells countryside, Pond Mountain Inn offers a wide array of Vermont experiences in addition to their legendary gourmet farm-to-table breakfasts and a 24-hour concierge service.
Hill Farm Inn
Nestled in Sunderland, Vermont, in the Equinox Mountain Valley, this historic inn and dairy includes a vegetable farm open to walking and trails along the Battenkill.
Places To Eat
The town of Manchester offers a great deal of culinary experiences from Thai food to classic burgers and pub fare. Here are a few of our favorites.
Mulligans Restaurant & Pub
Be sure to grab a Guinness with the locals in this classic pub. Mulligans specializes in good food done right, especially their locally sourced beef burgers.
Raven's Den
Recently opened in 2015, the Raven’s Den has quickly gained a reputation as the best steakhouse in the area. ACF "Vermont-Chef-of-the-Year," Edward St.Onge and his team are preparing the finest aged Black Angus steaks, fresh seafood, poultry, and smoked pork ribs for local friends and Vermont travelers.
Gringo Jack's
Enjoy exceptional food al fresco or inside this converted 1800’s house. Gringo Jack's uses fresh ingredients to create wonderfully bold flavors - ranging from authentic, regional Mexican flavors to those of Tex-Mex and the Southwest - all working together to make Gringo Jack's a Manchester favorite.
Christos' Pizza & Pasta
Christos' is Manchester's oldest operating pizza joint. Owners Christo and Athena use the same dough recipe and passion that Christos' parents brought with them from Greece.
The Works
Be it breakfast or lunch, The Works is the go-to spot for baked goods, sandwiches, salads, smoothies and more.
Willoughby’s Depot Eatery
You only need two things to prepare yourself for dawn patrol on the river in Vermont: 1) caffeine and 2) these donuts which come fresh out of the fryer at 5 a.m. every morning.
The Grange at Hill Farm
Dinner is served in a lofted barn with sweeping mountain views and an open kitchen centered around the wood-fired oven. Menus are inspired by what is coming out of the ground at Hill Farm and from neighboring farms, while an artisanal beverage menu highlights regional producers and growers.
Places To Shop
Experience world class shopping in Manchester, Vermont. Variety is the name of the game as the town offers everything from local businesses that have been family-run for generations to outlet shops that bring you the best deals from the big brands.
Orvis
Since 1856, Orvis has offered their customers distinctive clothing, the world's finest fly fishing rods and tackle, upland hunting gear, and home goods. Browse their flagship store in Manchester for the goods you need or take part in their expertly led Shooting or Fly Fishing 101 classes.
Manchester Designer Outlets
Shop over 40 outlet stores including iconic brands such as J. Crew, Kate Spade, Brooks Brothers, Vineyard Vines, Armani and Polo Ralph Lauren. Outlet tag sales are held on the same weekend as our annual Fly Fishing Festival, making the first weekend of August a perfect time to visit Manchester, Vermont.
Northshire Bookstore
Northshire Bookstore is a family-owned, independent bookstore, with two locations - one in Manchester Center, Vermont, and the other in Saratoga Springs, New York.
The Mountain Goat
The Mountain Goat is a locally owned and run outfitter located just five minutes from the Appalachian Trail in southern Vermont. They have over 25 years of experience offering the finest in outdoor clothing and gear for serious adventurers and casual wanderers alike. Named one of the "Top 25 Outdoor Stores in America" by GearPatrol.
Above All Vermont
A store that captures the quality and nostalgia once offered by general stores all across New England, making it the perfect place in town to find unique souvenirs with Vermont flavor.
Places To Go
Manchester, Vermont and the surrounding area offers some of the best recreation options in the entire country. Go explore!
Stratton Mountain
There's something for everyone in the family at Stratton and the activities are endless all year round. Ski and snowboard in the winter, play tennis and golf in the summer or simply hike the mountain for some of the most beautiful views in the country. The slopeside Village is lined with retail shops and restaurants including alpine clothing and hard goods, and fine dining.
Lye Brook Falls
A century ago, this area had been heavily logged, with railroads, charcoal kilns, and sawmills dotting the landscape. The land has reverted back to its natural state, but those wishing to explore can still find the remains of many of these turn of the century industries. The spur trail at 1.8 miles on the right, leads to the stunning 125-foot high Lye Brook Falls, one of highest in Vermont.
Southern Vermont Arts Center
Established in 1922, the Southern Vermont Arts Center provides cultural, educational, and creative opportunities for all ages. Situated amid one-hundred acres of pristine forest in the heart of the Green Mountains, SVAC offers a first class arts experience in a traditional New England setting.
Hildene The Lincoln Family Home
The 412 acre estate with its Georgian revival mansion and 13 historic buildings includes the home, formal garden and observatory; Welcome Center and The Museum Store in the historic carriage barn; 1903 Pullman car, Sunbeam; a solar powered goat dairy and cheese-making facility and the lower portion, the Dene, was recently incorporated into the guest experience.
Bromley Mountain
Located just 20 minutes from the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Bromley offers 47 Trails, 8 lifts and 178 skiable acres of South facing Southern Vermont awesome. Bromley continues to live up to its reputation as one of the most fun, accommodating mountains for families in the country during the winter and the “sun mountain” becomes an outdoor playground in the summer with its adventure park.
Green Mountain Skydiving
Skydive over the beautiful Green Mountains in Southern Vermont with trained pros.
Emerald Lake State Park
Located conveniently between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area, and nearby attractions and tourist destinations. The park surrounds 20-acre Emerald Lake, named for the emerald green color of its waters when viewed from above.
Lake Shaftsbury
Lake Shaftsbury State Park is on an 84-acre parcel surrounding the small but picturesque Lake Shaftsbury. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat and enjoy the largemouth bass fishing.
Vermont Essentials
No trip to Vermont is complete without sampling fresh produce, cheese, and other fruits of our agrarian culture. Here is where to find the best.
The Vermont Country Store
Opened in 1946, the Vermont Country store specializes in procuring the quintessential and hard to find goods from a bygone era and serving up classic Vermont fudge, cheese, and maple products that are free to sample when you visit their Weston or Rockingham store.
The Sugar Shack
Located on the banks of the Roaring Branch River in Arlington, you and your family won't want to miss this classic Vermont experience. Part country stores selling fresh Vermont maple products, part bakery, and part Norman Rockwell Exhibit, there is something here for everyone.
Mother Myrick's Confectionary
Mother Myrick's began in 1977 as a small fudge shop in the beautiful town of Manchester Vermont. Because of their attention to detail, making all of their treats in small, handmade batches, Mother Myrick’s is now known throughout New England. Be sure to try one of their iconic Lemon Lulu cakes or buttercrunch.
Taylor Farm
Taylor Farm is a 180 year old working dairy farm nestled in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont. The Wright family has practiced sustainable agriculture on the farm for over 25 years and offers cheese and dairy products as well as sleigh rides and educational activities on the expansive property.
Dorset and Manchester Farmers Markets
From 50 area producers, you will find freshly picked vegetables and fruits, home baked breads and pastries, artisan cheeses and wines, grass-fed meat and poultry, free-range eggs, canned condiments and pickled produce, specialty goods, hot prepared foods, functional Vermont crafts, and live, local music. Dorset Sundays 10 am-2 pm, Manchester Thursdays 3 pm-6 pm.
Flies
Explore Our Fly Collection
Some of the most notable names in the history of fly tying—including Theodore Gordon, Preston Jennings, George LaBranche, Edward Hewitt, Megan Boyd, Lee Wulff, and Helen Shaw—are represented in the Museum’s fly collection of more than 5000 flies. The collection also includes the oldest documented flies in existence, pictured here; these flies are from Scotland and England, were tied in 1789.
Rods
Explore Our Fly Rod Collection
Our collection comprises more than 1,400 rods, from an early nineteenth-century wooden rod once belonging to Daniel Webster to today's ultralight graphite models. Rods made by Leonard, Murphy, Thomas, Edwards, Chubb, Orvis, and their contemporaries represent the early development of American fly rods, whereas the efforts of later artisans such as Gillum, Garrison, Payne, Dickerson, Powell, and Young trace the evolution of the bamboo rod throughout the twentieth century. The collection also holds rods that once belonged to a number of well-known figures, including Babe Ruth, Winslow Homer, Ernest Hemingway, Herbert Hoover, Ted Williams, Glenn Miller, and Dwight Eisenhower.
Reels
Explore Our Reel Collection
The Museum maintains an impressive collection of 1,200 reels that demonstrate the evolution from the early cast bronze reels to today’s lightweight aluminum reels. The collection includes some well-known and other lesser-known reel makers from around the world.
The American Museum Of Fly Fishing - OLD
The American Museum of Fly Fishing is the steward of the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly fishing and promotes the conservation of its waters. We invite you to explore our collections, exhibits, and articles below.
5000
Flies
1200
Reels
1400
Rods
700
Prints & Paintings
Exhibitions On Display
We strive to create insightful and interesting exhibitions that will appeal to a broad audience of fly fishers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. We maintain a changing exhibition program in our Leigh H. Perkins Gallery so that our visitors learn more each year about the rich history of fly fishing.
Reflections: The Angler and Nature in Art
Immerse yourself in the angler’s experience and explore the ways sporting art has chronicled the ever-changing connections with nature shared by…
Leigh H. Perkins
Honoring the life and legacy of a founding trustee.
In Reel Time: Fly Reels Past & Present
A showcase of the reel maker's art.
Tied Together: The Extraordinary Lives of Joan and Lee Wulff
Honoring the icons
Smoke Signals: Cigarette Cards from the 19th and 20th Centuries
A colorful collectible takes center stage.
Latest Posts & Journal Features
Check back often for the latest stories in and around the stream. We are always publishing new articles.
