What is the American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation?

The AWTHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the culture of the American wild turkey and the generations of hunters, storytellers, callmakers, and conservationists who shaped this uniquely American tradition.

Through online archives, documentary work, digital storytelling, and community engagement, the Foundation works to foster a living reverence for the wild turkey ensuring its stories, history, and heritage remain alive, accessible, and deeply felt for generations to come.

What is your mission?

To Preserve and Celebrate the history, heritage, and culture of the American wild turkey to inspire the generations. 

What does the Foundation do?

We focus on three core pillars:

1. Preservation: Secure, digitize and catalog the largest collection of wild turkey calls, art, literature and artifacts ever assembled. We will  work to protect priceless oral histories and hunting stories through recorded interviews and transcripts. 

2. Education & Storytelling: We will develop a digital archive accessible worldwide, bringing the history of the wild turkey into classrooms, libraries, and homes for free. The foundation will produce films, podcasts, and traveling exhibits to share this story of the wild turkey and turkey hunters with the public. We will work towards the ultimate goal of having a physical archive in the form of a museum and experience center, which would be located in an area where turkey hunters and wild turkey enthusiasts would be inclined to visit.

3. Celebration & Community: Inspire the current generation through events, seminars and cultural programs that honor the heroes of wild turkey history. Inspire the next generation through mentorship, youth engagement, and hands-on experiences. 

Are you a conservation organization?

No. We are a heritage and cultural foundation, not a biology-based conservation group. Our work complements and supports the conservation community by preserving stories and culture that explain why the wild turkey matters. Our partnership with Wild Turkey Conservation groups like the NWTF & TFT will allow each group to focus on what they are best at. For the AWTHF we are best at preserving and telling the stories of the wild turkey and turkey hunters. 

How is AWTHF different from hunting organizations or conservation groups?

We are not competitors with Turkey conservation groups, but partners and supporters. We focus on history, heritage, storytelling, and cultural preservation, not policy or habitat programs.

Who founded the organization?

Brent Rogers, Nathaniel Maddux, and Paul Campbell founded the American Wild Turkey Historical Foundation on July 4, 2025 in Lebanon, Missouri. 

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. AWTHF is a public charity under IRS section 501(c)(3), designation 170(b)(1)(A)(vi).

How will my donation be used?

Funds support:

• Creation of the Wild Turkey Archive

• Documentaries & oral histories

• Exhibits & traveling displays

• Digitization & preservation

• Publications, podcasts, and educational content

Where are you located?

The Co-Founders are located in Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio.

Will the Foundation have a physical museum?

Yes, one day! Long-term plans include a headquarters and a museum exhibit space.  In the shorter term we will have a traveling exhibition.

How can I contribute stories, photos, or artifacts?

We are actively seeking and preserving historical materials including photos, film, calls, gear, journals, letters, and hunting stories. Please share your personal stories or history with us or make introductions to people who fall within our scope of focus. 

How can I support the Foundation?

Ways to support:

• Become a financial supporter

• Donate historical items

• Sponsor documentaries/exhibits

• Contribute to preservation funding

• Volunteer

• Corporate partnerships

What kind of storytelling will the foundation produce?

We will produce a yearly feature film telling the story of important people or moments in the history of the wild turkey. In the near future the AWTHF will produce a high quality magazine to provide subscribers with long form journalism, photography and stories from across the country. We will have a strong presence on social media to reach audiences of all ages. 

When is the public launch?

March 14, 2026. 

How can I stay updated?

Follow AWTHF on social media, sign up for newsletters, and watch for the Supporter Journal. Check the website regularly for new collections. 

Will the foundation buy and sell any items or memorabilia? 

To fund our mission we will consider respectful ways to raise funds, but in any case,  we will not be an auction house. Purchasing vintage and historical items will occur if that purchase aligns with the mission and can be done in a fiscally responsible way. This may require some duplicate items to be used to recoup cost. If a donation is made to the Foundation with the intent from the donor to be sold as a fundraising mechanism the foundation will be transparent about that wishes of the donor.