Fiddlers and violinists have always had different repertoires, audiences, influences, traditions, and styles. In just the last few years, however, a trend has been building momentum that is breaking the fiddle/violin barrier.
The groundwork was laid back in 1964. That year the Suzuki method of classical violin instruction was introduced to the United States. It has been phenomenally popular, leading to an explosion in the number of violin enthusiasts.
Eventually they began to branch out, putting their classical skills to use in Rock, Blues, Jazz, and other non-classical traditions. The realization set in that violinists and fiddlers could learn from each other. Fiddlers, for example, are good at improvising and learning by ear. Violinists, on the other hand, are generally excellent sight-readers and comfortable playing in ensembles.
The American String Teachers Association has embraced "alternative styles" as a way to motivate students to keep practicing. Thus, the National Fiddler Hall of Fame has been established at the perfect time to promote and encourage fiddle music, both among traditionalists and new converts from the realm of classical violin.