Located inside Beaver Stadium is the Penn State All-Sports Museum. Shortly after it opened in 2002, I remember taking a tour through it. That was long before Sports Card Info existed, and I’ve always wanted to go back. That’s exactly what I did over the weekend.
This museum is a mecca for Penn State fans. Between the two floors it covers major moments from every sport they’re involved in. Penn State memorabilia galore. Given that the school was founded in 1855, it has a lot of history. Football probably gets the most coverage, but all sports get their good share of recognition. You don’t need to be a Penn State fan to appreciate all of the historical artifacts on display here. Just being a sports fan is enough.
Once you’re finished visiting the museum, a guide will take you into the stadium. Getting to see the field without anyone else around is really cool. Usually the place is packed with 100,000 fans.
Before leaving, I stopped by the gift shop and found a new pin for my collection. I was looking for a bobblehead, but didn’t find any. The closest I got to a bobblehead was a Penn State-themed nutcracker.
I didn’t realize that John Montgomery Ward attended Penn State. He assisted in helping them start their baseball program, and played one season for them in 1875. Then he got kicked out for stealing some chickens. Ward eventually went on to have a very successful professional baseball career. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him in 1964. You can find cards of him in the 19th century Allen & Ginter and Old Judge sets.
If you’re passing through State College, PA I highly suggest stopping. They don’t charge for admission, but donations are appreciated.
The 1886 College Nine. Standing: Halter, Jackson, Rose, Mock, Quigley, Mitchell. Seated: McLean, Gibson, McClaren, Lencz. Robert Gibson actually made it to the pros.
Vintage Penn State baseball memorabilia. Two game baseballs from 1905 and one from 1906.
John Cappelletti’s Heisman trophy
1986 National Championship trophy
1969 Orange Bowl trophy
Early 1900s basketball jersey. Game ball from 1921.
The Gene Wettstone Most Valuable Gymnast Award
The Nittany Lion mascot is based on the eastern mountain lion which went extinct during the late 1800s. This one was shot in 1856. Considering the techniques for stuffing an animal back then are nothing like they are today, its in great condition. Its probably one of the finest examples of a taxidermied eastern mountain lion.
Sears sponsored fencing trophies. When was the last time Sears could sponsor anything?
Filed under: Events | Tagged: all-sports, inside, location, museum, on, penn, state, the |
Sports Card Info 
It’s a shame that the history of Penn State was tarnished by the actions of one sick individual, the legacy of this university in the American sports landscape is undeniable. Great post!