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The North American Vintage Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show is a major gathering dedicated to the history, craftsmanship, and preservation of American waterfowl decoys and related sporting collectibles. Organized by the North American Decoy Collectors Association (NADCA), the event brings together antique decoy enthusiasts, seasoned collectors, carvers, dealers, historians, and newcomers interested in one of America’s most distinctive folk-art traditions. NADCA was founded in 1966 and has developed into a nationwide community of more than 800 members, representing collectors across all North American regions, including the United States and Canada. The association is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization focused on education, heritage preservation, research, mentoring, and the continued appreciation of decoy carving.Hosted at the Westin Chicago Lombard Hotel in Chicago, United States, the show features an extensive program designed for both experienced collectors and those beginning to explore the hobby. Activities include room-to-room trading, a dealer exhibit hall, and a vintage decoy and sporting collectibles marketplace where attendees can view, compare, and acquire historic pieces. The broader gathering also includes an auction presented by Guyette & Deeter, providing opportunities to examine notable decoys and collectible sporting objects. Educational programming, collector resources, historical articles, seminars, carving demonstrations, and displays help explain regional carving traditions, identification methods, the work of influential carvers, and the cultural relationship between decoys, outdoor recreation, folk art, and American history.
The event serves as NADCA’s central annual gathering and supports the association’s mission of connecting collectors while documenting and safeguarding North American decoy heritage. Attendees can learn from knowledgeable members and specialists, discover the stories behind individual carvings, explore changing regional styles, and build relationships with fellow enthusiasts. The show welcomes lifelong collectors, carvers, history enthusiasts, families with inherited decoys, and anyone curious about hand-carved waterfowl art. Its community atmosphere emphasizes friendship, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and the continuation of traditions passed between generations.
NADCA’s work extends beyond the show through collector guides, identification resources, historical research, educational content, community networking, and efforts to record the stories of master carvers. The association’s long-running annual shows, extensive member network, and published resources have connected thousands of collectors and helped keep this uniquely American tradition active. By bringing together exhibitors, dealers, educators, auction specialists, and collectors, the North American Vintage Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show offers a comprehensive celebration of decoy artistry, sporting history, craftsmanship, and preservation.
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Event venue
Westin Chicago Lombard Hotel, Lombard, United States, Chicago
Tickets
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