The purpose of the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame is to recognize and promote the sport of skydiving through public education and awareness; recognize the contribution to skydiving by its participants, suppliers and supporters; capture forever the history of the sport via its events, equipment, and personalities; and enhance aviation safety as it pertains to skydiving.
The International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; Tax ID Number 23-7181972.
Our Founder
William H. Ottley
Bill Ottley’s decades of service to and leadership within the sport of skydiving cannot be overstated. He dedicated his life to the advocacy and advancement of aviation and air sport activities, and made accommodations to ensure the spirit of his work continued long into the future. This included the 1972 establishment of the American Museum of Sport Parachuting & Air Safety as a non-profit corporation – which is today the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame.
Since Bill’s initial vision, the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame has grown into a project of great significance that is championed the world over by: civilian and military competitors; photographers and videographers; aviators; innovators; designers, inventors, and manufacturers; promoters; advocates; and philanthropists. Over 100 skydiving legends have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and every year athletes and industry professionals from every corner of the globe gather to celebrate our phenomenal sport.
Bill was inducted into the Hall of Fame in its inaugural year, the Class of 2010.
“Mr. Ottley wasn’t the founder of the sport, nor did he win the most medals, but more than any person he was essential to the promotion of skydiving as a sport. … He had a fascination with all air sports, but skydiving became his ultimate love.”
— Chris Needels, Former USPA Executive Director, The Washington Post
