Established in 1985 with 113 national advisors, the mission of the National Rivers Hall of Fame is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of the women and men who have had a significant impact on the rivers of America.

From Mark Twain to Captain Mary Miller, Chief Black Hawk to Louis Armstrong, the Hall of Fame is supported by members in 36 states and is part of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa.

Hall of Fame Inductees

The National Rivers Hall of Fame lets you capture the drama of river people from across America. Hall of Fame inductees are the pioneers, explorers, and artists in America’s river history. They were movers and shakers from the days gone by and the recent past. These men and women made significant contributions related to America’s rivers, which is why we honor them.

View complete List

Achievement Award Winners

The National Achievement Award is the highest honor presented by the National Rivers Hall of Fame to those people who are making significant contributions to America’s waterways. The National Rivers Hall of Fame, with members in 36 states, is the only national museum telling the stories of the people of America’s rivers. The National Rivers Hall of Fame is part of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa.

View complete list

National Rivers Hall of Fame Board

  • John M. Bickel, Chairman  
  • Don Hattery, Vice Chairman  
  • Dave Tschiggfrie, Secretary 
  • Kristin Bickel-Clark
  • Ana Bissell
  • John Bissell
  • Wally Brown
  • Capt. Michael Conklin
  • Jerry Enzler
  • Teri Goodmann
  • Helen Kilgore
  • Dave Maloney
  • Dean Millius
  • Carter Newt
  • Capt. Robert Staples
  • Capt. Kevin Stier
  • Capt. John Vaughn
  • Mona Woodward

National Rivers Hall of Fame Advisory Board

John M. Bickel
National Chair

Dr. John Anfinson
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Superintendent (retired), Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Tom Dunn
Gateway Riverboat Cruises, St. Louis, MO

Gary Frommelt
Horn Blower Marine, Corydon, IN

Michael Hagan
American Commercial Barge Line (retired), Jeffersonville, IN

Berdon Lawrence
Chairman of the Board, Kirby Corporation, Houston, TX

Capt. Charlie Lehman
American Commercial Barge Lines (retired), Jeffersonville, IN