MISSION

Our Mission is to be a center for the interpretation of history, design, and innovation that connects and inspires the community and enthusiasts around the world.  This is accomplished through programming, active collecting, and the display of vehicles, archival materials, and artifacts that showcase the local and global influence of Studebaker and related industrial innovators.


VISION

Our Vision is to spark the imagination and ignite interest and passion for design, innovation, and overall impact of the automobile and its related industries.


ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The Studebaker National Museum is devoted to sharing the story of the automotive and industrial history of South Bend and the greater region through the display and interpretation of Studebaker vehicles along with related industrial artifacts. The Collection also includes seven objects designated as “National Treasures” including the carriage Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford’s Theatre the night of his assassination, and a carriage used by the Marquis de Lafayette during his farewell tour of United States in 1824.


ABOUT OUR FACILITY

The Studebaker National Museum is housed in a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility that opened in October 2005. The building has three levels and features fully climate-controlled galleries and storage facilities to ensure the best possible care for the Collection. The Studebaker National Museum was designed by South Bend’s own James Childs Architects and features several design elements from Studebaker’s factory buildings.


FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A copy of the museum's most recent 990 (2021) can be found by clicking here.


MUSEUM HISTORY TIMELINE

1887

Clement Studebaker purchases Lafayette’s carriage

1890

Clement Studebaker purchases President Lincoln’s carriage

The Lafayette and Lincoln carriages travel the country to Studebaker dealers and events as historical attractions.
1916

The Studebaker Administration Building is completed

Studebaker establishes a dedicated museum display area in its South Bend Administration Building. The Administration Building was home to the Studebaker Collection through the early 1970’s.
1966

The Studebaker Corporation’s vehicle collection and company archives are given to the City of South Bend

1977

Studebaker Collection Display

After several temporary homes, the Studebaker Collection is placed on display as part of the Discovery Hall Museum at South Bend’s new Century Center convention center.
1982

Freeman-Spicer Studebaker

The Studebaker National Museum acquires the former Freeman-Spicer Studebaker dealership as additional display space.
1992

The Freeman-Spicer building becomes the Studebaker National Museum’s primary home

2005

New Facility

The Studebaker National Museum opens its new facility on November 1. The new facility is in partnership with the Center for History and forms a museum campus just west of downtown South Bend.
2007

The new Studebaker National Museum Archives opens on October 25

2008

AAM Accreditation

The Studebaker National Museum receives accreditation from the American Association of Museums (now the American Alliance of Museums).
2015

The Studebaker National Museum celebrates 10 years in its new facility

2018

The Concours d'Elegance at Copshaholm is introduced as the Museum's newest signature event.