Education

The NMLRA is devoted to providing high-quality educational instruction in a great learning environment that inspires students and teachers. The NMLRA Education Building, which opened in 2010, is an ideal facility for historical education and the heritage arts associated with the sport of muzzleloading.

Are you passionate about the history and heritage of muzzleloading? Do you have a deep knowledge of a certain aspect of muzzleloading, American history, or heritage arts that you would be willing to share with others eager to learn from you? Your expertise is highly respected and we would be honored to have you as part of our team.

We are currently looking for class instructors and program presenters for a variety of events, including the Spring National Shoot, the National Championship Shoot, and several other opportunities throughout the year. This variety allows for flexibility in scheduling and can accommodate those with limited availability.

It is vital that the history and heritage of muzzleloading be passed on to future generations, and your contribution can make a significant impact. By teaching and mentoring others, you can help keep muzzleloading and American history alive. If you are interested in using your knowledge and skills to make a difference, please contact the NMLRA office at 812-432-2670

Charter club program

Premium Access

The office at the NMLRA Headquarters in Friendship, Indiana is the focal point for all information, expertise, and service data on muzzleloading.

Charter Clubs are empowered to call for any sort of help they might require at any time, knowing that the NMLRA is here to support them.

Membership & Discounts

By retaining $5.00 for your Charter Club and remitting $70.00 to the NMLRA for a single year’s membership for the club members, you're not just joining a community, you're making a sound financial decision.

Charter Clubs may deduct 10% from their target order when purchasing same through the NMLRA.

Outreach

The NMLRA Charter Club Program, uniquely designed to support and assist smaller shooting sports clubs across the United States, offers a range of exclusive benefits. By signing up as an NMLRA Charter Club, you gain access to resources that can help you promote and sustain the love of shooting sports in your area.

Get your Charter Club information packet here

Advertising

If your Charter Club hosts an invitational shoot or an open shoot, the informational shoot ad in MUZZLE BLASTS is published at half price. A Thank You ad acknowledging your appreciation to dealers, services, etc., are full priced ads.

As a member of the NMLRA Charter Club, your Shoot Dates will be published free of charge every two months. This is a great opportunity to promote your club's activities and encourage participation.

GRANT PROGRAM

Each year, the NMLRA sponsors a grant program to assist Charter Clubs with various projects and activities. Be it starting a new event, making additions to your range or seeking advertisement funding, we are excited to work with you to expand your programs.

You can apply for an NMLRA Charter Club Grant here

Scholarship program

Here at the NMLRA, education is one of our founding principles. Each year, the NMLRA presents 2 $1,000, and the NMLRA Gunmaker’s Hall presents 1 $1,000 scholarships to young NMLRA members seeking higher education.

Our scholarships are designed to be inclusive, considering criteria such as academic achievement, community involvement, primary emphasis on study, and financial need. We want to emphasize that applicants can be someone other than U. S. citizens, as we believe in providing opportunities to all our members.

1. Applications must be received at the NMLRA office for consideration by the following date: July 31, 2025.

2. Applicants must be members in good standing or a direct dependent of an immediate family member or guardian in good standing of the NMLRA. Good standing is defined as a member whose dues are current and who has been a continuous member for one year before the date of application. Applicants who are a direct dues paying member will receive higher consideration

3. A most recent transcript of high school and college grades (if applicable) must accompany this application. Please include a recent 5×7 photograph of yourself. Incomplete application packets will not be considered! Do not submit an application prior to graduating from high school, thus not providing all necessary documentation

4. To be eligible for consideration for this Scholarship, a minimum High School Grade Point Average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale must be proven. Eligibility to include an ACT composite score of 19 or higher or a SAT composite score of 1250 or higher. Priority will be given to those students who rank in the upper 10% of their graduating class.

5. Eligibility for currently enrolled College or University students must have maintained a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.5 on a 4.0 maximum scale, or the equivalent, which may be implemented at other academic institutions. College student applications that include high school grade transcripts with ACT or SAT scores will significantly improve a student's consideration, no matter the year of study.

6. Economic status and need of an applicant will be considered a favorable factor when all other conditions appear equal. Applicants actively participating in NMLRA events will be eligible for higher consideration in that area.

7. An awarded scholarship will be held until a paid-in-full receipt for tuition or other proof of enrollment in a College or University has been received by the NMLRA Office. Non-receipt of proof of enrollment will disqualify the awardee, with consideration then given to next best, qualified applicant.

8. All applicants will be notified as soon as possible as to their award status.

9. If you need more space to express yourself, feel free to attach additional pages. This is particularly recommended for the Gunmaker’s Hall application – and remember, pictures will enhance your application. We're here to support you throughout the process. Those who apply for the Gunmaker’s Hall Scholarship will also be considered for the NMLRA Scholarships. The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or national origin in educational and employment opportunities. Any inquiries and/or complaints should be directed to the NMLRA Scholarship Secretary, P.O. Box 67, Friendship, Indiana, 47021. Individuals needing this material in an alternative format should contact the office at the above address or the appropriate program director.

   Click here to download the application.

Black powder hall of fame

From time to time, there is an NMLRA member who goes unselfishly above and beyond to spread their love of muzzleloading, traditional craft, and living history. The NMLRA Black Powder Hall of Fame exists to honor its inductees for their significant and inspiring service to the NMLRA and its surrounding communities.

To learn more on nominating an inductee, please click here

Black Powder Hall of Fame Inductees

1995 - Roy “PA” Keeler; W.A. “Bill” Carver ; Charles B. Haffner
1996 - Merrill P. Deer; Turner Kirkland; Maxine Moss
1997 - Lt. Col. Vaughn K. Goodwin
1998 - Max Vickery; Claude Willoughby; Robert Bottoms; John Barsotti
1999 - Vic Beeson; Jack Rouse; Willis Boitnott; Helen Evans
2000 - Edward “Bud” Garrott; Web Terry; Clark Frazier
2001 - David Boggs; Jim Doyle
2002 - William R. Brockway; Joe Yocum; Roy O. Kornmeyer; Liz Wilcoxon
2003 - William Carmichael; Marshall H. Gardner; Dan Kindig; Robert Reiber
2004 - George Call; William A. (Bill) Roberts; Edwin D. (Tiny) Van Sant
2005 - Thomas Schiffer; Ken Bresien
2007 - George Wortner; Harley Donaldson
2008 - Charles “Chuck”  Dixon
2010 - William C. Trigger; Richard Truex
2011 - Homer Dangler; Charles (Charlie) Maggard
2012 - Marty Murphy
2013 - Betty Boitnott
2014 - Gene Fahey; Mike Luma
2015 - George D. M. Arnold; Andy Larson; Guy R. Smith; Susie Goll Szynalski
2016 - Marion Hammer; James Lemon, Sr.; James McIntosh; Nelson Simonds
2017 - Bob Copner; Donna Gatlin; Richard “Dick” Kop; H. Armstrong Roberts, III
2018 - Owen Collins; Marion “Buddy” Townsend
2019 - Dave Arnold; Richard Miller; Scott Mings; Sharron Smith
2020 - Sharon Cunningham; James C. Fulmer; David Miller
2021 - Charles W. (Bill) Hoover; Robert C. Schlegel; John Kleihege
2022 - Bob Clapp; Jack Lewis, Sr.; Dennis Priddy
2024 - Randal A. Cochran; Gary Freking; Eric Bye; Don Blazier

Inducted Posthumously
1995 - E.M. “Red” Farris; Roland E. Harper
1996 - Virgil Hartley
1998 - Walter M. Cline; Boss Johnston; Powell Crosley, Jr.; Lewis Sanchez
1999 - Robert “Bob” Watts; Morris Van Way; Lee T. Good
2000 - Wilford Shaw; Sgt. Alvin York
2001 - Walter Grote; LaDow Johnston; Don Schuerman
2002 - H. Phil Orem; John Bivins, Jr.
2003 - Wes Kindig
2006 - Jesse Booher
2007 - John D. Baird
2008 - Dr. John “Jack” Riddell
2011 - Don Thornton 2013; Kathy Elliott
2014 - Jerome Wilson 
2015 - Paul C. Griffith
2016 - Jack Weichold
2017 - Elaine Arnold; Roy Gatlin
2018 - Gary Brumfield; L. Gordon Davis; Clarence R. “Bull” Ramsey
2019 - Harold W. “Polecat” Porter
2022 - John Braxton; Robert A. Elka, Sr.; Charles David “Chuck” Oder
2024 - Mike Weissmann

Rifle Shooters hall of fame

The NMLRA Rifle Shooters Hall of Fame recognizes advanced achievements by rifle shooters over their careers of shooting at the NMLRA National Championship matches.

To learn more on the requirements for being inducted, please click here

Rifle Shooters Hall of Fame Inductees

Men

Claude Turner, Otway, Ohio; L.M. Wolfe, Wilshire, Ohio; Walter Grote, Canton, Ohio; Don Coble, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; Charles Sainopulos, Portsmouth, Ohio; Clark Frazier, Rawson, Ohio; Dr. L.E. Stephenson, Arroyo Grande, California; Dan Schlegel, Louisville, Kentucky; Wilburn “WEB” Terry, Gas City, Indiana; Charles Blender, Ben Avon, Pennsylvania; Bruce Tipton, Springfield, Ohio; Ted Butz, Indianapolis, Indiana; Don Warner, Wapakoneta, Ohio; J.L. Hargis, Ellis Grove, Illinois; Mike Belle, Tampa, Florida; Elwood Cullers, Timberville, Virginia; Branch Meanley Jr., Decatur, Alabama; H.P. Gregory, Amhearst, Virginia; Tim Marsh, Stanton, Kentucky; Stephen Dick, Peebles, Ohio; Tony Capriglione, Central Valley, New York

Women

Berta Turner, Otway, Ohio; Ellen Grote, Canton, Ohio; Laura Brooks, Lowell, Ohio; Ruth Sainopulos, Portsmouth, Ohio; Judith Funderburg Robinson, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Sue Runnebohm, Shelbyville, Indiana; Carole Porter, Berlin Center, Ohio; Kadene Warner, Wapakoneta, Ohio; Sharron Smith, Beaverton, Michigan; Theresa Brown Van Epps, LeRoy, Michigan; Sarah Lotts, Crimora, Virginia; Anne Reed, West Virginia