History

The Association of Ohio Long Rifle Collectors(AOLRC) was formed in 1975 to study and preserve Ohio-made muzzle-loading rifles, which were crucial tools for early Ohio settlers. The organization holds an annual meeting and exhibition, which began at the Campus Martius Museum and moved to the Lafayette Hotel due to space limitations. The AOLRC documents Ohio gunsmiths, promotes fellowship among collectors, and provides a platform for exhibiting and discussing both historical and contemporary long rifles.

Formation and Purpose

Founded in 1975: The association was established to research and preserve the history of long rifles made in Ohio.
Preservation and education: Its mission includes documenting Ohio gunsmiths, studying their work, and preserving the historical significance of these firearms
Fellowship: It provides a community for collectors who share a passion for Ohio's long rifle history and craftsmanship

Annual Activities

Annual exhibition: The AOLRC's annual show started at the Campus Martius Museum but quickly outgrew the space, relocating to the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta.
Member-focused event: The first day of the show is typically for members-only, while the subsequent days are open to the public.
Displays and demonstrations: Members display both historical and modern rifles, powder horns, and other related items. Many members are also makers of contemporary long rifles.

Historical Context

Importance to settlers: Long rifles were essential tools for early Ohio settlers for both hunting and protection.
Ohio's gunsmithing history: At its peak, Ohio was second only to Pennsylvania in the number of gunsmiths in the 19th century.
Documentation and research: The association contributes to the documentation of Ohio's gunsmithing heritage, with members actively researching individual gunsmiths and sharing their findings.

Distinguished Service Award Criteria

This award is created to recognize members whose work and contributions to the perpetuation of the principles of our association have been outstanding.

This award is limited to a single recipient per year and is not necessarily an annual award.

To be considered for the Association of Ohio Longrifle Collectors’ highest award, a member must meet the following minimum requirements:

A. They must have a minimum of five years active membership in the association.
B. Must have made an outstanding contribution to the history, collecting and/or preservation of the Ohio Rifle, its accessories and its contribution to early Ohio history and in general to American Arts and Crafts. Evidence of this contribution should be apparent in one or more of the following: writing, collecting and exhibiting, restoration, preservation, education or service to the association.
C. Must have the respect of fellow members as a student of the Ohio Rifle and its accessories, and have attended and participated in at least five annual meetings.
D. Have been chosen by a committee appointed by the president of the AOLRC.

In 1997 the name of the award was changed to the F. G. Tilton Award.

Recipients of the F. G. Tilton Distinguished Service Award

Recipient	Year
Warren Offenberger	1985
Forest Tilton	1986
William Reynolds	1987
Kathryn & John Hudson	1989
Jim Whisker	1990
Larry Bryner	1994
Ted Dixon	1996
Paul Zeiher	1997
Mark Herman	2003
Jim Clagett	2008
Ron Yerian	2009
Rod Fraizer	2014
Clippinger Family	2023
Liza Kindig	2025
John Reinbolt	2026

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