Is the National Museum of Climbing a nonprofit organization?
Yes. The National Museum of Climbing is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
What stage is the museum in right now?
The National Museum of Climbing is in its early development phase, focused on governance, digital infrastructure, archival planning, and community partnerships. Initial fundraising supports foundational work—building the national archive, documenting stories, and preparing for a future physical museum at the Red River Gorge.
What is the mission of the organization?
The National Museum of Climbing at the Red River Gorge will be to preserve the past, share the stories, connect the community, to inspire the future of climbing. NMoC preserves, interprets, and celebrates the history, culture, and evolution of climbing in the United States through a community-led national archive, scholarly partnerships, and a world-class museum experience located at the Red River Gorge.
What is your vision?
A nationally recognized center where climbers and the public can explore America’s climbing heritage; where local climbing communities help document their own stories; and where climbing’s rich past informs a sustainable and inclusive future.
What are your values?
Our values guide every story we tell, every partnership we form, and every climber we inspire. They reflect the heart of climbing – its honesty, humility, and sense of shared responsibility—and define how we protect the legacy that lives on.
- Ethics & Education — We interpret and teach climbing’s ethical traditions – from style and stewardship to inclusivity and innovation – ensuring that the lessons of the past inform the choices of the future.
- Stewardship & Sustainability — We care for the climbing environment, cliffs, trails, and outdoor spaces through science-informed conservation, access advocacy, and everyday low-impact practices.
- Personal Responsibility — We own our impact: prepare, place and use equipment responsibly, mentor others, and model safe, ethical decision-making.
- Respect — We respect people, places, and stories: honoring first ascents and diverse contributors; acknowledge Indigenous people and stewardship; and treat all climbers and visitors with dignity.
- Integrity & Authenticity — We tell accurate, fully sourced histories and present balanced perspectives on ethics, style, and technology.
Together, these values define our character. They remind us that preserving the legacy of climbing is not just about artifacts or achievements – it’s about cultivating wisdom, humility, and care for the generations yet to come.
What is the National Museum of Climbing?
The National Museum of Climbing is a planned institution dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and evolving story of climbing in the United States. It will house a living archive of artifacts and oral histories, provide stewardship and access education, and serve as a gathering place for climbers and non-climbers alike.
Why is the museum needed now?
Climbing has exploded in popularity, yet much of its heritage—pioneers’ stories, early equipment, ethics, and community values—is at risk of disappearing. With millions of new climbers entering the sport, now is the moment to preserve the past and protect the identity of climbing for future generations.
Why build the museum in the Red River Gorge?
The Red River Gorge is one of the most significant climbing destinations in the United States and a cultural home for generations of climbers. Rooting the museum here keeps it connected to active climbing culture—not behind glass—offering visitors an immersive, authentic experience at the heart of the community.
