The American Museum of Fly Fishing hosted its Heritage Award event honouring Andy Mill on October 19 in New York City. The Heritage Award was established to honour and celebrate individuals and organizations whose commitment to the museum, the sport of fly fishing, and the conservation of our natural resources sets standards to which we should all aspire.

More than one hundred guests gathered on the water at Chelsea Piers to celebrate Andy Mill and a life spent outdoors. During a cocktail reception overlooking the Hudson River, artist Mark Susinno went to work at his easel to create a piece for the live auction while guests greeted old friends and new. Dinner kicked off with a tribute video narrated by Nicky Mill, Andy’s son, which is available to view through the button below.

Under the gavel of newly minted auctioneer Alec Griswold, the evening moved into an electric live auction, a resounding success for the museum’s fundraising initiatives. Enthusiasm was high when Andy’s long-time friend and 2021 Izaak Walton Award recipient Captain Paul Dixon took the stage to introduce Andy. By random draw, Paul’s commemorative YETI rambler held the winning door-prize ticket for a day of bluefin tuna fishing donated by Peter Jenkins. Paul paid it forward by trying his hand at live auctioneering, selling his door prize and raising additional funds for the museum.

AMFF President Fred Polhemus then presented a one-of-a-kind VK Steelworks–made Heritage Award to Andy. Val Kropiwinicki’s incredible artistry was apparent as he explained how he tied in both Andy’s love of tarpon fishing and his Olympic skiing history. Andy in turn made donations to the museum’s permanent collection: one of only two copies of his ‘A Passion for Tarpon’ book manuscript, the fly stretcher used for all his tournament wins, and one of the reels he had on the boat for all of those wins. He delivered a rousing and emotional speech to a standing ovation before Monte Burke joined him on stage for an insightful interview that reminded guests of the most compelling episodes of ‘The Millhouse Podcast’. The work Andy has done with that podcast, chronicling fly fishing’s most iconic luminaries and guides, is among the many reasons he is our Heritage Award recipient.

Watch the tribute video, learn more about the award, and see photos through the button below!

Watch The Andy Mill Tribute Video Now

American Museum of Fly Fishing
4070 Main Street
Manchester, Vermont 05254
USA
Tel. +1 802-362-3300
E-mail: amff@amff.org