Overview

First and foremost, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a place to honor the game. When it opened on June 12, 1939 in Cooperstown, N.Y., the Hall of Fame officially became the home of baseball by serving as its cornerstone and housing the stories honoring the greats of baseball's past.

Guide to exhibits

With over 38,000 three-dimensional artifacts in the Hall of Fame's collection, each visitor can get a glimpse of what makes baseball special to them. The Museum which details the history of America's pastime, is split into three floors to highlight baseball's rich history. It is recommended visitors start on the second floor.

Second Floor

• Cooperstown Room - Before starting the journey through baseball, the Cooperstown Room examines the history of the Hall of Fame and the "Home of Baseball," Cooperstown, N.Y.
• The Baseball Experience - To set the stage a digitally-enhanced, 13-minute multimedia presentation in the 191-seat Grandstand Theater prepares visitors for the story of the game's long and winding history.
• Taking the Field: The 19th Century - Featuring baseball's formative beginnings, it is an engaging interpretation of baseball's early years.
• 20th Century Baseball Time Line -  An exploration of baseball's history by generation, it details baseball's notable players, legendary teams and historic moments, including special exhibit space given to important stories including:
  • Babe Ruth Room - One of only two exhibits in the Museum honoring a single player - it looks at the game's most recognizable star.
  • Diamond Dreams: Women in Baseball - This space salutes the roles women have played in baseball at every level.
  • Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience - An exhibit detailing the history of African-Americans in baseball, from the Civil War through major league and beyond.
  • ¡Viva Baseball! - Opened in 2009, this interactive exhibit is dedicated to baseball in the Caribbean Basin countries.
  • Today's Game - Capturing memories and milestones from the last several years, it features a locker containing recent artifacts for each of the 30 major league teams and a display with items from the most recent baseball season.

Third Floor

• Sacred Ground - Examining ballparks of the past and present, this exhibit takes a look at America's cathedrals of the game.
• Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream - Dedicated in 2009, it chronicles Aaron's life, from childhood through his big league career and post-baseball activities.
• The Records Room - Updated throughout the season, visitors can track the active and all-time leaders in virtually every statistical category. Also included is the No-Hitters wall featuring a baseball from every no-hitter in the majors since 1940.
• Autumn Glory: Postseason Celebration - A spotlight for the moments that make postseason action memorable, the great teams of October are honored here. Artifacts from the most recent Fall Classic are also on display to pay tribute to the most recent World Champions.
• Education Gallery - The Hall of Fame Education department uses this space throughout the year for daily programs and other events.
• Baseball Cards - With just a sampling of the 135,000 cards in the Museum's collection, the exhibit even includes the famed T206 Honus Wagner.

First Floor

• Halper Gallery - This rotating exhibit space allows for temporary exhibits to be displayed on an annual basis.
• Art of Baseball - The sport is an inspiration for many creative outlets, some of which have made their way to Cooperstown.
• Inductee Row - Before entering the Gallery, this space celebrates the newest class of Hall of Famers and includes photos of recent Inductees during their Ceremonies.
• Hall of Fame Gallery - This is where all the bronze plaques for all 289 Hall of Famers are housed.
• Baseball at the Movies - Hollywood's fascination with baseball has been captured in hundreds of films.
• Scribes and Mikemen - honors the greatest journalists to broadcast and write about the national pastime. It also houses the award winners for the Ford C. Frick Award, given annually for broadcasting excellence, and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award, presented annually for meritorious contributions to baseball writing.
• Bullpen Theater - Public programs of all sorts and other activities are held in this special presentation space with vast multimedia capabilities.
• Sandlot Kids' Clubhouse - Designed with children in mind, there are plenty of activities for young baseball fans.