The Studebaker National Museum 10th anniversary get-together was held on Oct-27, 2015. This was held at the museum immediately following the monthly board meeting. A few statistics re the museum:
It is one of only three accredited auto museums in the U.S. (since 2007). The others being the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg and the Henry Ford.
In 2014 the museum averaged approx. 3000 visitors per month.
In that same year visitors came from 47 states and 16 countries.
The museum collection consists of 37 vehicles that were part of the original Studebaker Corporation museum. Since the creation of the Studebaker National Museum Inc. another 90+ vehicles have been added. Most of these from members of the SDC and ASC.
The museum has 7 full time employees and close to 50 volunteers.
The museum has the largest collection of Presidential carriages in the U.S. (Lincoln, Harrison, Grant, McKinley).
With vehicles ranging from the 1830s (Conestoga wagon) to the 1960s (last Canadian car) the museum covers a wider range and variety of vehicles that any other transportation museum in the country.
The city of South Bend financed the building of the museum and supports it with a monthly monetary contribution and is fully supportive of the institution. The museum brings more tourists to the city that any other entity except Notre Dame.
The museum archives preserves over 100 years of the Studebaker corporate records and consists of several tons of material covering 5000 linear feet of shelf space. It is housed in a separate building directly south of the museum. The full time archivist is a member of the SDC and is a regular contributor to Turning Wheels.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the original color painting of the Studebaker Blacksmith Shop originally executed in the late 1800s. It was only recently donated to the museum by one of Studebaker's last executives Ed Dunbar who unfortunately passed away only a few weeks previous. Immediate members of his family were present to see the painting that had received a cleaning by a professional conservator.
Besides myself previous board member and current life trustee (and past SDC) President Stu Chapman was in attendance at the event.
It is one of only three accredited auto museums in the U.S. (since 2007). The others being the Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg and the Henry Ford.
In 2014 the museum averaged approx. 3000 visitors per month.
In that same year visitors came from 47 states and 16 countries.
The museum collection consists of 37 vehicles that were part of the original Studebaker Corporation museum. Since the creation of the Studebaker National Museum Inc. another 90+ vehicles have been added. Most of these from members of the SDC and ASC.
The museum has 7 full time employees and close to 50 volunteers.
The museum has the largest collection of Presidential carriages in the U.S. (Lincoln, Harrison, Grant, McKinley).
With vehicles ranging from the 1830s (Conestoga wagon) to the 1960s (last Canadian car) the museum covers a wider range and variety of vehicles that any other transportation museum in the country.
The city of South Bend financed the building of the museum and supports it with a monthly monetary contribution and is fully supportive of the institution. The museum brings more tourists to the city that any other entity except Notre Dame.
The museum archives preserves over 100 years of the Studebaker corporate records and consists of several tons of material covering 5000 linear feet of shelf space. It is housed in a separate building directly south of the museum. The full time archivist is a member of the SDC and is a regular contributor to Turning Wheels.
One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the original color painting of the Studebaker Blacksmith Shop originally executed in the late 1800s. It was only recently donated to the museum by one of Studebaker's last executives Ed Dunbar who unfortunately passed away only a few weeks previous. Immediate members of his family were present to see the painting that had received a cleaning by a professional conservator.
Besides myself previous board member and current life trustee (and past SDC) President Stu Chapman was in attendance at the event.
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