The Rowing History Project
The Rowing History Project is part of the 501(c)(3) Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. Its mission is to tell the history of rowing both locally and nationally through this virtual museum which catalogues and displays important rowing related objects, photographs, videos, and audio recordings. The Project seeks to inventory, preserve where possible, and share with the public artifacts that tell the story of this iconic sport and its place in American history. Visit The Rowing History Project Website
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50 Years. 50 Stories.
A celebration of Philadelphia rowing through the history of the HOSR.We highlighted the HOSR’s 50th anniversary by highlighting legendary competitors/crews/teams/coaches/influencers that have catapulted the regatta into a fall classic over 50 years. Our written stories evolved into oral ‘Story Hours’ – a chance to hear, firsthand, the stories and the legends that have made the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row so important to the greater rowing community, and special in our hearts. We celebrate the people by passing down their stories through generations and affecting change for the future of our sport. The Committee 50 holds Story Hours throughout the year to continue to gather and connect with friends, new and old, and share stories. All are welcome to join!
The Beginnings of the Royal Canadian Henley – May 14, 2025
Tom Weil: Rowing’s Extraordinary Historian and Collector – February 26, 2025
‘Shore Her Up’ – The Story of Philadelphia Girls’ Rowing Club – October 17, 2024
Saving Historic Rowing Landmarks – Detroit BC Case Studies – June 4, 2024
The Olympic Experience: From Athens to Paris – April 18, 2024
The Competitive Spirit: A History of Vesper Boat Club – February 22, 2024
Builder of Boats and the Boys: A Pocock Legacy – December 6, 2023
UBC/UBC: The Tale of Two Clubs – September 26, 2023
Crying Foul: The Rise of the Schuylkill Navy – July 20, 2023
On Racing and Ritual: 170 Years at Bachelors Barge Club– May 23, 2023
Before Boathouse Row: Events That Shaped American Rowing – March 30, 2023
Preserving the History of Rowing, its People and Places – February 23, 2023
The Unsinkable Jimmy Dietz – September 29, 2022
Rowing Healthy – September 20, 2022
Rowing & Title IX – May 19, 2022
The Growth & Glory of High School Rowing Programs – April 7, 2022
The History and Evolution of Rowing Equipment – February 24, 2022
Behind the Megaphone – A Conversation with the USRowing Referee Corp.– January 20, 2022
What Does It Take To Be An Olympian (via Philadelphia!) – July 21, 2021
The Tradition of Schuylkill River Coaching– May 19
Building Leaders + Crews – March 24, 2021
The 1967 Vichy Eight – January 28, 2021
Jim Barker & Friends – December 2, 2020
Karin Constant – “There’s a woman with good legs.”
Karin Constant remembers the day in August 1969 that she was lured into rowing. “I ran one of these 8 ½ mile loops on the [Schuylkill] river and after I finished, here comes this little guy saying, ‘Would you like to row?’ I’d always been interested. In Germany I...
View the recording of the latest Story Hour – The Beginnings of the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
View past Story Hours on YouTube
