About MVGCA

The Maumee Valley Gun Collectors Association was formed in 1954 in Toledo Ohio with the expressed intent of creating an organization of like-minded members. These members were dedicated in their desire to meet with others that had a similar interest in the collecting and shooting of firearms. The collection and shooting aspect included the activities such as hunting, competitive marksmanship and just plain plinking. They were also strong proponents in the protection of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, which stated “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. The first President elected was George Murdock (1954-1955).

On May 6, 1957, Articles of Incorporation of The Maumee Valley Gun Collectors Association, Inc. were filed and recorded in the United States of America, State of Ohio, Office of the Secretary of State. They were recorded in the Records of Incorporation and became an Ohio Not-For-Profit Corporation. Further, the application stated that “The purpose for which said corporation is formed are: “Without profit, to promote the appreciation of antique and unusual weapons; to provide a forum through which the membership may exhibit said weapons to each other and to the public at large and may exchange ideas about such items; and to provide a means for the membership of this corporation to buy, sell and trade such antiques and unusual articles”. Between the formation of the MVGCA and its incorporation, the President was David Karstaedt (1956). The President at the time of incorporation was Karl Mills (1957).

Following, is a list of the Presidents from the year of incorporation to the present: Walter Kneubuhler (1958), Edward Poling (1959-1960), Russell Varwig (1961-1962), Dale Drath (1963-1964, Thomas VanBuren (1965-1968), Kenneth Knopp (1969-1976), Gerald Gutchess (1977-1986), Richard Keith (1987), Robert Palicki (1988-1993), Jeff Palicki (1994 -2016), Kent Klem (2017-2024) and our current President, Paul Hoag.

Venues where MVGCA shows have been conducted throughout its history include the original venue or Rainbow Gardens in Pemberville, Ashland Hall, Bancroft Hall, Sylvan Hall, Sports Arena Exhibition Hall, Toledo Zoo History Museum and Masonic Great Hall, all in Toledo, Lucas County Recreation Center (2 periods of shows) in Maumee, Woodland Mall in Bowling Green and our current home at Wood County Fairground’s Pratt Pavillion at 13800 West Poe Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402.

We recognize the fact that the continued success of the Maumee Valley Gun Collectors, and any shooting sport organization, lies solely with the younger generations. These generations are faced with the ever-growing assault on our Second Amendment rights as defined in the Constitution of The United States of America. It is these generations of shooters that will be the ones to carry on the legacy of our organization. Recognizing the aforementioned, we have in the past, and will continue in the future, to support local youth shooting programs, through sponsorship and/or other means of support. We have in the past, sponsored The Toledo Trap & Skeet Swamp Rats, who have demonstrated their skills at regional and national competition. We have sponsored the Adams Conservation youth shooting program as well.  We currently utilize the Wood County 4-H Top Shot shooting club by compensating them for the set up and tear down of tables and chairs for out shows at the Wood County Fairgrounds. At various times we donate a free table for these organizations to promote their organization and conduct fund raisers.

We welcome all members and the public to our shows that have been standardized as the second 2nd full weekend of the designated months. Current show months are January, February, March, April, October and November. There are no shows for the months of May, June, July, August, September and December.

We proudly support the NRA, Buckeye Firearms Association, and Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in safeguarding our community and protecting our rights. By standing with them, we help strengthen local businesses, promote responsible firearms ownership, and advocate for our shared values.