The Insurance Hall of Fame is the insurance industry’s highest prestigious honor. It is awarded to leaders, innovators, and visionaries in the insurance field for having made a broad, encompassing, and lasting contribution to the industry. Located at the University of Alabama, the Insurance Hall of Fame Museum houses a collection of memorabilia illustrating the impact the insurance industry and its leaders have had on the world, especially in times of disaster and economic downturn.
In 1957, the Insurance Hall of Fame Award was created at Griffith Foundation by Dr. John Bickley, Professor Emeritus of Insurance at the University of Alabama. It was created to reflect Dr. Bickley’s view that the institution of insurance would greatly benefit by honoring individuals who have enhanced the ability of insurers to serve society. By recognizing innovators, visionaries, and leaders, the industry encourages each new generation to higher levels of performance and dedication.
In 2015, Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., whose North American subsidiary Protective Life Corporation is located in Birmingham, AL, established the Insurance Hall of Fame endowed support fund. In 2023, the Insurance Hall of Fame, Portrait Gallery, and artifacts were relocated to the Don James Quiet Study in Culverhouse’s Hewson Hall, the new 108,000-square-foot building anchoring the western edge of The University of Alabama campus. In October 2023, prior to the 40th anniversary of Alabama Insurance Day, Culverhouse College of Business rededicated the collection and covered the rededication ceremony here.
Today, the Insurance Hall of Fame has more than 100 laureates and serves as a reminder of the insurance industry’s impact on the world and society. The laureate honor is awarded annually by the International Insurance Society, the world’s most prestigious industry organization, with members representing global insurance leaders, international regulatory authorities, and worldwide insurance scholars from over 90 countries and all sectors of the industry.
The Insurance Hall of Fame Museum was established under the leadership of Dr. Bickley at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business in 1987 to honor the Hall of Fame laureates. The museum was developed with the support and generosity of over 400 individuals and companies from some 50 countries.
The Hall of Fame Museum, located on the 2nd floor of Hewson Hall, showcases books, memorabilia, and other important gifts bestowed upon The University of Alabama. The Hall of Fame Museum chronicles insurance history and honors living and deceased industry leaders. A newly installed electronic kiosk allows visitors to access the biographies of Insurance Hall of Fame laureates and to learn more about their contributions to the industry. A sister collection of laureate portraits, videos, and biographies are also featured at the Claire and Joseph Smetana Gallery at St. John’s University in New York City.
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 AM – 10 PM
Admission: Free
