Hall of Fame groundbreaking history

 

NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle and Harry Stuhldreher, a member of the famed Four Horsemen backfield of Notre Dame and a Massillon, Ohio native, break ground at the ceremony on August 11, 1962.

The original museum comprised of two buildings totaling 19,000 square feet.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened its doors on September 7, 1963.

On April 15, 1970 The Hall underwent its first expansion project. The additional space provided additional exhibit areas, a movie theater and a research facility. Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney was on hand to perform the ground-breaking. He was accompanied by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Chairman of the Board, Earl Schreiber and William E. Umstattd, Chairman of the Board of the Timken Company.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame underwent a second expansion on November 14, 1977.

Kicking off the project was Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees Vice-President Clayton Horn and NFL Executive Director Don Weiss.

The venture not only increased the Hall’s space to 51,000 square feet but provided for a renovation of the entire museum.

Hall of Famers Lou Groza (with shovel) and Marion Motley took part in the groundbreaking for the expansion that was completed on November 20, 1978.

On July 7, 1994 the Pro Football Hall of Fame began a third expansion project.

With a price tag of $9.1 million, the Hall increased to a size of 83,000 square feet.

Along with a complete renovation of the entire building, GameDay Stadium Theater was added along with a new Library-Research Center.

On August 5, 2011 ground was broken for the beginning of the "Future 50 Project" which will be the largest expansion in the Hall of Fame's history.

The "Future 50 Project" will enable the museum to better preserve and present its ever-growing collection of historical artifacts and documents. It will also provide major enhancements to the visitor experience.