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 (2024) can be found by clicking here.
MUSEUM HISTORY TIMELINE
CLEMENT STUDEBAKER PURCHASES LAFAYETTE’S CARRIAGE
CLEMENT STUDEBAKER PURCHASES PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S CARRIAGE
The Lafayette and Lincoln carriages travel the country to Studebaker dealers and events as historical attractions.
THE STUDEBAKER ADMINISTRATION BUILDING IS COMPLETED
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.
THE STUDEBAKER CORPORATION’S VEHICLE COLLECTION AND COMPANY ARCHIVES ARE GIVEN TO THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
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.
FREEMAN-SPICER STUDEBAKER
The Studebaker National Museum acquires the former Freeman-Spicer Studebaker dealership as additional display space.
THE FREEMAN-SPICER BUILDING BECOMES THE STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM’S PRIMARY HOME
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.
THE NEW STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM ARCHIVES OPENS ON OCTOBER 25
AAM ACCREDITATION
The Studebaker National Museum receives accreditation from the American Association of Museums (now the American Alliance of Museums).
THE STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN ITS NEW FACILITY
