September 2, 2016
In September 2016, the World Chess Hall of Fame (WHCOF) celebrates its fifth year in Saint Louis with the opening of three exhibitions. The WCHOF has a long history, spreading over 30 years and four locations. Founded in 1986, it was originally known as the United States Chess Hall of Fame, and its first physical location opened two years later in New Windsor, New York. This chess set, board, and clock date from the first induction ceremony for the United States Chess Hall of Fame.
Rivals and fellow members of the first group of people inducted to the United States Chess Hall of Fame, Reuben Fine and Samuel Reshevsky played a game with this set and board in honor of the first inauguration ceremony. This celebration was held at the 1986 U.S. Open Chess Championship in Somerset, New Jersey. Fine and Reshevsky frequently competed against each other during the United States Chess Championships of the 1930s and 1940s, and this game represented their first meeting over the board in many years.