About the Society
A nonprofit dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing historical archery across North America.
Our Story
For centuries, the warbow played a significant role in military history, craftsmanship, and the development of archery traditions. Today, that tradition continues through dedicated archers, historians, bowyers, fletchers, and researchers around the world.
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In England and across Europe, organizations, clubs, and individuals have spent decades preserving the traditions of the historical warbow through competition, research, experimental archaeology, and craftsmanship. Their work has deepened our understanding of historical archery and inspired a new generation of enthusiasts worldwide. The North American Longbow Society is deeply appreciative of these longstanding efforts and views them as an important foundation for the continued growth of the discipline.
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While interest in historical warbow archery has steadily gown in North America, the community has largely developed through local clubs, informal groups, online communities, and individual enthusiasts. The North American Warbow Society (NAWS) was established to help connect those efforts by providing a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on education, fellowship, historical research, and the preservation of traditional skills. We seek to provide a place where archers, historians, bowyers, fletchers, and enthusiasts can exchange knowledge, learn from one another, and contribute to a broader understand of the historical warbow and its place in history.
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The Society is committed to encouraging historical accuracy, supporting thoughtful research, promoting safe participation, and fostering a community built on mutual respect and a shared appreciation for the traditions we seek to preserve. We recognize that our understanding of history continues to evolve through archaeological discoveries, historical scholarship, and experimental archaeology, and we welcome respectful discussion grounded in evidence.
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"Our goal is not simply to preserve the warbow, but the knowledge, craftsmanship, and community that have always surrounded it."
Why a Nonprofit
From the beginning, the North American Warbow Society was envisioned as a community organization rather than a commercial enterprise.
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The traditions of the historical warbow have been preserved for generations by individuals who freely shared their knowledge, dedicated countless hours to research, refined traditional craftsmanship, and welcomed newcomers into the community. We believe the organization entrusted with carrying those traditions forward should exist for the benefit of the community itself.
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For that reason, the Society was established as a nonprofit organization.
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As a nonprofit organization, the Society exists exclusively to pursue charitable and educational purposes. Unlike a for-profit business, the Society has no owners or shareholders. By law, no part of the organization's net earnings may be distributed to, or exist for the private benefit of, its directors, officers, founders, or other individuals. Any revenue generated through memberships, donations, merchandise, sponsorships, grants, or events must be used to further the Society's mission.
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That means every dollar the Society receives is directed toward supporting educational resources, historical research, community events, traditional craftsmanship, public outreach, and the long-term preservation of historical warbow archery.
Our success is measured not by financial returns, but by the knowledge we preserve, the community we strengthen, and the opportunities we create for future generations to study and practice the historical warbow.
Transparency
We believe that trust is earned through openness, accountability, and responsible stewardship.
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As an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity, the North American Warbow Society is committed to operating responsibly and in accordance with its charitable mission. We are pleased to make our IRS Determination Letter available for public download, and our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is provided below for donors, sponsors, grantmakers, and others who may need it.
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Additional organizational information is available upon reasonable request.
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Organization Information
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Legal Name:Â North American Warbow Society, Inc.
Federal Tax Status:Â 501(c)(3) Public Charity
State of Incorporation:Â Connecticut
Founded: 2026
Employer Identification Number (EIN): 42-3879118