The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), in conjunction with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) presented the prestigious Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award to Ashley Hlebinsky, curator of the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming.

“POMA is excited to honor Ashley for her contribution as a firearms communicator, historian and expert analyst in the media. She will proudly add her own piece of history as the first female to receive this prestigious award,” said Kevin L Orthman, Executive Director of POMA. “The Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award is one of the highest awards POMA gives out each year. Ashley is a great example of someone who has spent her career changing the face of firearms in the media and preserving the history and legacies of some of the greatest firearms in the world.”

Ms. Hlebinsky has made a huge impact on the world of firearms history and communications in a very short time. Her public outreach efforts have included writing for both scholarly and popular publications, expanding social media and appearing on numerous broadcast programs as a content expert on historic firearms

Through the generous efforts of Ms. Hlebinsky, a number of priceless Winchester firearms have been displayed in the Winchester Repeating Arms boots at the SHOT Show and the NRA Show. These historic firearms have included General George Patton’s M1 Garand, Buffalo Bill’s personal Model 1873 rifle and Annie Oakley’s personal Model 1892 rifle.

We at Winchester Repeating Arms wish to add our congratulations to Ms. Hlebinsky for an award so richly deserved.

Get a virtual tour of the museum and a great historical overview of the firearms on display from Winchester's friend, Ashley Hlebinsky. This was produced for Winchester's celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of the Winchester company. 

VIEW THE VIDEO.