Smithsonian Museum of American History

We are honored to share….

 On Saturday August 22, 2015, Surfing and its deep rooted history and heritage made its way east. A handful of chosen artifacts of surfing significance were inducted into the Smithsonian Museum of American History. 

 The event brought together both surf celebrators and art history enthusiasts alike. The donation ceremony included a curated timeline of surfboards, an original 16mm copy of the film “The Endless Summer”, the classic iconic poster, as well as a selection of theater handbills, ticket stubs and other significant artifacts in an official Smithsonian ceremony. Among the artifacts sent to D.C. is an unusual looking Hobie foam board shaped in Dana Point more than 50 years ago. It was made for the film, “The Endless Summer.” The board was hinged in the middle and made to break apart in order to fit in the 1960s-era airplane.

 Five other historically significant surfboards, including one shaped by Duke Kahanamoku in Corona del Mar, CA in 1928, have been donated along with the iconic surf film, “The Endless Summer.”

 “Having an institution like the Smithsonian accept the artifacts, and cultural totems, as culturally significant items is a big deal for the sport of surfing. It’s a coming of age”, said Steve Pezman, a former publisher of “Surfing Magazine”. Filmed in 1963 and debuted in '64, The Endless Summer played throughout America, with Brown originally providing masterful live narrations. In 1966, Newsweek Magazine named the film one of the 10 best movies of the year. It’s been 50 years since the release of the surf documentary “The Endless Summer.” The film put surfing on the map — a sport and culture that is now being celebrated in a very big way.

The Washington, D.C. artifact donation event at the National Museum of American History took place on Saturday, August 22, 2015. Among the many surfing legends in attendance were Bruce Brown, Robert August, Mike Hynson, Paul Strauch, Jericho Poppler, Dick Metz, and Surfing's 'first' World Champion from 1976 - Peter Townend. 

 

We are excited to share this new limited release art piece in commemoration of Robert and this truly special honor!