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International Institute for Sport
and Olympic History
Library and Museum

The IISOH is seeking $1 million (one million Dollars)
from a donor in order to establish an endowment for the sport of FENCING.
This is a naming opportunity for the donor to have a perpetual identification with the sport
of FENCING by establishing a trust fund for the development of this collection.
The endowment would be named by the donor
with the approval of the IISOH Board of Directors.

The endowment becomes a permanent trust fund invested by the Institute --
no portion of the principle is spent.
Only the quarterly earned interest will be used for development of the
FENCING collections in both the Library and Museum.

For more details about the endowment program, please click here.

The Board of Directors would like to thank all donors for their support. Every donation will be recognized
in our publications or web site pages. Donations over $250 will be honored by the Board of Directors with
an engraved brick to be placed on the patios or walkways that will surround the cafe and scultpure gardens.
Larger donations will be acknowledged with larger plaques in marble, stone or bronze and displayed on designated
walls of honor inside or outside the buildings in accordance with the instructions of the Board of Directors.

To become a Chater Member or make a cash donation --
go to this page now.

Keep in mind that FENCING is an international sport that has had various forms in almost every civilization in the world.
Fencing weapons have varied in shape and style since ancient civilizations where spears and swords were the primary weapons.
Ancient Greek and Roman swords were made of metals such as bronze and iron, and rarely exist today as they were melted down for new weapons by conquering civilizations. Renaissance and later era weapons can frequently be found at fine auctions. Japanese swords are famous for their Samurai history and are among the most cherished world-wide.

A very sizable portion of the literature on FENCING comes from the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries in languages such as French, Italian, Spanish and German, which we are eagerly seeking for our Library. Many of the earliest printed books in Europe included fencing instructions and illustrations. The subject of Duelling is closely related to fencing -- it is the origin of the sport used today in the Olympic Games -- a battle of honor where the combatants survive to shake hands and drink together afterwards.

The Institute's long-term goal is to develop the most comprehensive collection in the world,
with every book ever printed on the subject. Please be generous with your support.

For additional subject areas that we seek, see the list in the SUBJECTS area for endowments.

The IISOH is a Pennsylvania Non-profit, Educational, Literary and Research
corporation under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Donations are tax deductable

The IISOH website is temporarily hosted by
Harvey Abrams-BOOKS