The NWHOF was created to honor individuals throughout the United States who should be recognized for their many years of involvement an dedication to the sport of wrestling. State chapters were organized to achieve this goal.

The Board of Governors of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum established the State Chapter program in 1988. The purpose is to pay tribute to those coaches, officials and contributors who represent the best qualities of what the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and day out.