Plate from Traite de Fauconnerie by H Schlegel & A.H. Verster de Wulverhorst
Object ID 1996.14.13

The Archives of Falconry is opening up to the world. You can explore the entire archive yourself in our collection catalog. We also hope you can discover the stories within the collection. To that end, we have produced these online, virtual exhibits. We will continue to develop new exhibitions over time and welcome your feedback on what you'd like to see. Please send feedback to [email protected].

Exhibit

Assateague Island - 1952

Life Magazine goes on a falcon hunt

In 1952, Life Magazine photographer Peter Stackpole traveled to Assatague to document Brian and Anne McDonald and Halter and Barbara Cunningham as they trapped migrating tundra peregrines for falconry. Journey back to this iconic dimension of North American falconry.

Exhibit

Timeline of Falconry

This interactive exhibit explores the significant events, people, books, art, craft and organizations spanning the global history of falconry.

Exhibit

The American Hood

An Evolution of Craft in the New World

Explore the evolution of hoodmaking, from Old World standards to a dynamic era of innovation by an emerging U.S. falconry community. Learn about notable hoodmakers, dive into our collection, enjoy 3D images of each hood and more.

Exhibit

Living Heritage

Falconry Organizations Around the World

The art and practice of falconry has ancient roots but remains a vibrant living heritage. Where is falconry being practiced around the world? Tour diverse falconry organizations and connect to their online resources.

Coming Soon

Widmeier in India

Documenting Heritage Through Art

From 1942 to 1944, falconer-artist Robert Widmeier was a U.S. Army sergeant stationed in India. He seized the opportunity to explore, participate in, and document Indian falconry through his art and journals. This exhibit highlights the best of over 100 original sketches and paintings by Widmeier including excerpts from his journals and manuscripts.

Assateague 1952

LIFE goes to Assateague

Visit the Exhibit
The American Hood
Visit the Exhibit
Online Collection

Dive Into Our Online Collection

Visit the Exhibit
A Living Heritage

Living Heritage

Visit the Exhibit
The Timeline of Falconry

The Timeline of Falconry

Visit the Exhibit
Widmeier In India

Widmeier In India

Visit the Exhibit
Assateague 1952 Assateague 1952
The American Hood The American Hood
Online Collection Online Collection
A Living Heritage A Living Heritage
The Timeline of Falconry The Timeline of Falconry
Widmeier In India Widmeier In India

The Archives of Falconry occupies the Herrick Building overlooking a beautiful vista south of Boise, Idaho. We share a campus with The Peregrine Fund which was our organizational home until we became an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) in 2021. We still share a lot with The Peregrine Fund including tours and events.

Preserving falconry heritage through the world's largest collection of falconry literature, artifacts, and history. We invite you to explore our digital archive and museum.

Karl-Heinz Gersmann

Latest News

The Archives of Falconry acquires The Karl-Heinz Gersmann Library

The Archives of Falconry is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Bibliotheca Falconaria Karl-Heinz Gersmann. Over many decades, the German falconer and historian Karl-Heinz Gersmann diligently built the most extensive private falconry library in the world, including over 1,500 titles and nearly 2,000 volumes – all in exceptional condition.

Read the Press Release

Collection Highlights

5,823

Books, Manuscripts, & Periodicals

1,354

Artworks

2,249

Falconry Material Culture

7,172

Archival Documents, Photos, & Film