As Canton just inducted it's 2013 Hall of Fame class, the Basketball enshrinement will take place in September (yet Cooperstown did not have a single inductee this year), it's a great time to recognize the best of the best at what they do.
If you can't get to Canton, aren't springing for a trip to Springfield or won't fly the coop to Cooperstown, there are other Halls of various Fame across the country that might be worth a visit.
The Robot Hall of Fame - Pittsburgh, PA http://www.robothalloffame.org/
No, it's got nothing to do with 40-year old white guys on the dance floor, this one's all about droids, cyborgs and machinery. Opened in 2003 and located at the Carnegie Science Center, the Robot Hall of Fame inducts four robots each year. The inductees are selected by a jury panel in categories of: industrial, service, research and entertainment.
Those enshrined include the Roomba, R2-D2 and C-3PO (R2 got in a year ahead of 3P0 in the '03 inaugural class), the T-800 and WALL-E. With the 2013 class yet to be announced Johnny 5, Optimus Prime and Rosie Jetson are awaiting the call.
The International Circus Hall of Fame - Peru, IN http://www.circushof.com/
Where else would you assemble the biggest names in the history of the big top, but the Circus Capital of the World? In a town with a population of just over 11,000, Peru, Indiana puts on the Circus City Festival and Parade to highlight the annual enshrinement ceremony.
With inductions dating back to 1958, performers and workers from around the world that have received membership in the Hall. From the Nelson Family of acrobats and W.W. Wilno the Human Cannonball to Count Roberto de Vasconcellos and Poodles the Clown, there are over 170 enshrined in Peru.
National Mining Hall of Fame - Leadville, CO http://www.mininghalloffame.org
Get to Leadville and you'll dig up what was once the town junior high, and now a uniquely hands on museum, visitors rave that it is both "fun AND educational." Nothing short of a geological Candyland, Leadville's treasure is endless entertainment. Walking the replica Hard Rock Mine then to the Prospector's Cave and on to the expansive Ax room, there is definitely something for everyone.
The Insurance Hall of Fame - Tuscaloosa, AL http://www.insurancehalloffame.org/
It's as necessary as the telephone or the q-tip, so why not have a site recognizing the best in insurance achievement? Founded in 1957, the Insurance Hall of Fame recognizes an honoree who has made "significant contributions to insurance theory and practice." Located at the University of Alabama, there are over 125 inductees from across the world that boast monumental achievements in insurance history.
The National Cowboy Hall of Fame - Oklahoma City, OK http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/
Saddle up and check out our nations tribute to our nation's hero, the cowboy. If there were going to be place to display the world's largest collection of barbed wire, saddlery and Rodeo trophies, it would have to be in Oklahoma City. Another can't miss at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, "the Wrangler", an award given annually that recognizes great achievement in Western literature, film, TV and music. Past recipients include John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Tom Selleck.
The National Toy Hall of Fame - Rochester, NY http://www.toyhalloffame.org/
Whether you asked for it from Santa or it cost you 8 weeks' allowance; the National Toy Hall of Fame houses the all-time best playthings. And not only any old knick-knack will get in, induction criteria includes icon-status, longevity and innovation.
Barbie, Lincoln Logs and Play-Doh were among the first class enshrined in 1998. Raggedy Ann got the call in 2002, but Raggedy Andy didn't get in until '07. While 2000 class (that included Mr. Potato Head, the jump rope and the Slinky) was strong, the '09 class (Game Boy, Big Wheel and the ball) may be pound-for-pound the best ever.
