The Appalachian Trail has a wonderful history but if nothing is done now, much of it will be lost. Many of the pioneer thru-hikers are getting on in years. They still have their original gear and other priceless memorabilia. While there is still time, we want to begin collecting anything that reflects the history and spirit of the trail and tells the story of the dreamers, builders, maintainers, hikers, trail angels and others who've made up the trail community.

Efforts are under way to establish an Appalachian Trail Museum near the geographic center of the trail. A group has been working on this project for several years and two years ago formed the Appalachian Trail Museum Society to start a museum dedicated to the A.T. and the trail community. The group includes representatives of the Appalachian Trail Conference and the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association and is also working with the National Park Service.Last year the society became a tax exempt organization and began accepting memberships. Charter memberships are available through December 2005. The society has also begun collecting items for eventual display in the museum. The society meets at least twice a year and elects officers and board members in the spring.

The Appalachian Trail Museum Society is in the early stages of a long-range plan to bring to Harpers Ferry a full-service museum dedicated to the Appalachian Trail. We envision this taking place in a series of steps over time. We are making every effort to involve our partners in the trail community: hikers, maintainers, the ATC, National Park Service and other hiking clubs.

We are now planning our first exhibit and raising funds for our early stages. We can use volunteers to help on the exhibit, collecting artifacts or financial contributors. Please help, also, by becoming a member of the ATMS, making a contribution and helping us publicize our efforts.

Already donations are coming in. We've also begun receiving some objects along with pledges of donations. Among the kinds of things we're looking for besides gear include discarded trail signs, registers, Appalachian Trail journals, documents, and pictures. We're also in need of volunteers to help in lots of areas. Please contact us if you'd like to help or if you have ideas for the committee to pursue.

Thanks,
- Larry Luxenberg, Museum Society President

Recently, a contest was conducted to develop an official logo for the Appalachian Trail Museum. The contest drew more than 60 entries, and the winning logo is displayed below and on other AT Museum site pages. The logo was designed by Steven Casey. A few of the other entries can be seen in the AT Museum newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 2.

Contact Information


Larry Luxenberg
10 Rugby Road
New City, NY 10956


Electronic mail
General Information: info@atmuseum.org

Corporate Members:

Copyright © 2004 Appalachian Trail Museum Society
Last Modified 01/02/08