Enzler Earns National Rivers Hall Of Fame Achievement Award

The National Rivers Hall of Fame in Dubuque, Iowa, has announced Jerry Enzler as the recipient of the 2025 Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in American river history and heritage. Enzler’s lifelong dedication to preserving and interpreting the cultural and natural history of America’s rivers has left an indelible mark on the field, according to the National Rivers Hall of Fame.

Enzler was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Bethesda, Md. The son of a Dubuque native and the ninth child of 13, Enzler had a connection to the Key City that ultimately brought him back for the long haul. He graduated from Loras College in 1973 with a degree in accounting, but his passion for nonprofit work stemmed from a line of family before him with experience in education, libraries and other like organizations. This passion led him to the front door of the Mathias Ham House, where the Dubuque County Historical Society was established in 1965. Starting out in a grant-funded role, Enzler became the historical society’s first full-time employee.

His involvement with the historical society took a new path as he helped lead the initiative to 350 East 3rd Street in Dubuque to establish the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. As the founding director of the river museum, Enzler was instrumental in establishing the museum in 2003. His vision, leadership and perseverance turned a bold idea into a nationally recognized institution that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Enzler led the charge to raise more than $50 million for the America’s River campaign. In doing so, he laid the foundation for revitalizing the riverwalk and the river museum and helping the museum become a cornerstone for river education, conservation and storytelling. Enzler served as the executive director until 2016, when he retired, but to this day, he remains a dedicated supporter of the organization.

“Wayne Norman, Bill Woodward and Frank Bertsch were starting the museum and received a grant that allowed a young man to help get them started. That was Jerry,” said John Bickel, president of the National Rivers Hall of Fame and Dubuque County Historical Society board member. “At the end of the first year, he was approached by leadership, thanked for his work and told he would have to find another job since the grant was complete, and there was no money to retain him. Without hesitation, Jerry told them he would raise the money for his salary and see this through, and the rest is history.”

Throughout his career, Enzler has also been a committed philanthropic leader, championing education, conservation and the arts. He has helped secure major funding for regional cultural institutions and served as a mentor and advocate for young professionals entering the museum and history fields.

Enzler also played a critical role in the creation and growth of the National Rivers Hall of Fame. He has worked tirelessly to recognize underrepresented figures in river history, helping broaden the narrative to reflect the diversity and complexity of our nation’s waterways and those who depend on them, according to the National Rivers Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work as a museum leader, Enzler is an author and biographer, most notably of “Jim Bridger: Trailblazer of the American West,” a critically acclaimed biography of the legendary mountain man, river guide and frontiersman. Through his writing, Enzler continues to educate the public on the historical significance of rivers and their explorers.

“Jerry has had a very large impact on our organization, on the National Rivers Hall of Fame and the river industry,” said Kurt Strand, president and CEO of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. “I witness Jerry’s impact every day and am proud to now lead these organizations. This award recognizes a lifetime of visionary leadership, scholarship and service.”

Enzler joins a list of past Achievement Award recipients including river scholars, authors, environmental advocates and cultural leaders. He was formally honored during the annual Dubuque County Historical Society’s Captain’s Ball gala at the River Museum on Friday, November 7.

The Hall of Fame was founded on the belief that rivers and their advocates are major catalysts for the economic and cultural development of America. Established in 1985, the organization joined the Dubuque County Historical Society to be the permanent home for its collections, stories and exhibits.