George Shumway was born December 19, 1928 in New York City and grew up in Manhasset, New York.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Middlebury College in 1950 and a Masters degree in geophysics from M.I.T in 1951. From 1951 to 1962 he was employed as an oceanographer and marine geologist at the U.S. Navy Electronics Laboratory in San Diego, California.  He received a PHD in oceanography from University of California’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1959. 

He was fascinated in the old long rifles from the first time he saw one as a teenager.  In 1962 he moved with his family to York, PA to pursue his interest in the art and history of the area.  York was an important gunmaking center in the late 17^th and early 19^th century. He established George Shumway Publisher to write, research, photograph, and publish information on antique longrifles and early Americana. One of his first books was THE CONESTOGA WAGON. He then created The Lonrifle Series, which included over eight titles on the subject. 

George received the Distinguished Service Award from the Kentucky Rifle Association and the Contemporary Longrifle Association’s Education Award.  As a member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, he contributed articles for the publication Muzzle Blasts for 32 years. Always willing and eager to share his knowledge, the books on this website are his legacy. 

GEORGE A. SHUMWAY, JR

19 DECEMBER 1928 - 1 MAY 2011