the 2004 annual report

Dear Friends:

During the year 2004 Studebaker National Museum made a giant leap forward in establishing itself as a museum this entire community can be proud of. Construction began on our facility that will enable us to become a first class, accredited museum. A facility that will allow future generations the opportunity to experience, first hand, the perseverance, dedication and still that has become the heritage of our community.

The museum is on track for a very successful future. Once again this year, the National Association of Automobile Museum has honored the Studebaker National Museum with a 1st Place Award for excellence in the category of Event & Public promotions and a 3rd Place Prize in the Publications category.

Museum membership has increased for the second year in a row to an all time high. And the addition of five vehicles to the collection, resulting from the support and talents of our donors and volunteers, brings the total collection of vehicles to over 120. The number of special exhibits and quality of their presentation is an outstanding asset that will only be increased with the opening of our new building in the coming year.

The opportunity for new and exciting educational experiences is at the forefront of exhibit design for the new facility. The exciting time in the life of the museum has generated an increase in interest and attention from our community and beyond. Driven by the guidance, determination and energy of our Board of Trustees, our new museum will be a fitting testament to the Studebaker men and women who "Delivered More Than They Promised."

We look forward to seeing you in 2005!

Best Wishes,
Rebecca J. Bonham

STATS

  • Annual Attendance: 24,390
  • Museum Store gross sales of $183,940.
  • Hosted 120 tours.
  • Added 161 new members, a 22% increase for a total of 935 members.
  • Acquired four new vehicles for display: A 1924 Studebaker Light Six, 1931 Studebaker Six Roadster, 1951 Studebaker Commander, and a 2002 Hummer H2.
  • Completed restoration of a 1916 Studebaker Series 17 Roadster.
  • The 1927 President Limousine.
  • Participated in the dedication of the South Bend Firefighters Memorial at Seitz park with the 1928 Studebaker Fire Truck.
  • Loaned the 1934 President to the Indiana State Museum for their special exhibit, "Objects of Desire."
  • Participated in three community parades, attended the Studebaker Drivers Club International Meet in Charlotte, NC, National Association of Automobile Museums Convention in Dayton, OH, Association of Mid-West Museum conference in Grand Rapids, MI, SDC meet in Indianapolis, Tour Indiana Annual Meeting, and received a scholarship to attend the AAM Conference in New Orleans.
  • Presented seven special exhibits, including "Rivers, Rails and Roads: Early Transportation in South Bend", "Hail to the Chiefs: A President's Day Exhibit", Different By Design: The best of Studebaker Style", "Studebaker Goes to Hollywood", "Wait for the Wagon: The Horse-drawn Years", "Scary Studebaker: A Halloween Exhibit", and "Have Yourself a Studebaker Christmas."
  • Hosted 3rd Annual Hall of Champions Dinner honoring Mr. Lester Fox, former Vice President of UAW, Local #5 and President/CEO of Real Services, Inc.
  • Hosted numerous events in the museum involving several local organizations including Society of Automotive Engineers, Michiana Concert Band, Eagle Scout Dinner, NEA Teachers Reception, Historic Preservation Commission, Rotary, GSE Farewell Dinner, PEI-Genesis Dinner, IN Chapter Lincoln Highway Association Meeting, Smith-Barney Reception, Symphony Show House Meeting, A-DEC Reception, Cadillac LaSalle Club Dinner, Avanti Reception, Wells Fargo Breakfast and Burkhart Advertising reception.
  • Sponsored a Fire Truck Muster/Community Celebration, Studebaker Night at the Cove, Cruise-In Car Show, 2nd Annual Studebaker Golf Classic, Behind the Scenes Tours/Reception, Studebaker Society Luncheon, Halloween Event and Annual Holiday Open House.

2004 annual report financial statement

The Studebaker National Museum, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3, tax exempt organization established in 1986.

The focus for the Studebaker National Museum, Inc. was two-fold this past year. The Museum focused on current operations as well as the development of a new facility. The focus on the current operations continues to be on generating revenue. The good news is revenue for the past year was up for the prior year, but below what the board had budgeted. The Museum was able to focus on the new facility as well, and has received commitments from numerous organizations and individuals. This is a good start to the process, but there is more still to do to help the museum succeed in the future.

Studebaker SOCIETY corporate memberships

The Studebaker Society is a membership level for individuals and corporations that contribute a minimum of $250 annually to the Studebaker National Museum.

• Click for more info on Corporate Memberships •
AM General
Albert Riegal
Appraisal Group, Inc.
Barnaby's
Brad McClain
Bobbiedine Rodda
Harold Beckman
Big C Lumber Center
David Miller
Eugene Carey
Flags International
G. Milton Jones
George Krem
Mossberg & Company
Malcolm Stinson, Jr.
MFB Financial
Mittler Supply Co., Inc.
Patrick Dwyer
Richard Renairi
Richmond Masters Distribution
Robert Shields
Rollie Williams Paint Spot
Rose Fuel & Materials
St. Joseph County Public Library
School City of Mishawaka
Tippecanoe Place
Tuesley & Hall, LLP
Waste Management
Ziker Cleaners
Zolnierek Ins. Agency