Preston Tucker and his Tucker 48 inspire admiration – and debate – to this day. Tucker built 51 cars before a shortage of money and a surplus of bad publicity closed his company. Some think GM, Ford and Chrysler conspired to destroy Tucker. More likely, he simply was overwhelmed by the enormous cost of building […]
The racing cars of Mercedes-Benz have been known as the “Silver Arrows” (Silberpfeile) since the 1930s in the years immediately preceding the Second World War. Along with the racing cars of the Auto Union company, the silvery-liveried German machines of the two companies dominated Grand Prix racing from 1934 to 1939. After the Second World […]
South Bend’s Forgotten Tragedies Join Aaron Helman, author of An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County and Ride the Jack Rabbit to explore some of the forgotten tragedies that have touched South Bend; including what was once the worst railroad accident in the history of the United States, an unsolved downtown bombing attack, and the […]
Join Curator, Kyle Sater, as he discusses this iconic automobile and its history amongst American families.
Join Jack Colwell - the journalist behind the release of the article detailing Studebaker's South Bend plant closure- as he speaks on his approach to such a story and what this historic event looks like 60 years later.
Join Archivist, Andrew Beckman as he discusses two decades of Studebaker involvement at the Indianapolis 500.
Calling all 007 fans! Join Mary Seelhorst, as she discusses the weaponized Aston-Martin DB5 from Goldfinger, its theft, the ongoing mystery surrounding it, and how she became part of the story–including testifying in a trial over the disposition of the insurance money.
It was America’s first great auto race. From 1904 to 1910, the world’s best drivers gathered on Long Island to compete for the Vanderbilt Cup, named for sponsor/sportsman/socialite William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. French marques earned the first victories, but when a Locomobile took the prize in 1908, it signaled a coming of age for American […]
November 20 Hero of Two Worlds: The Life, Times & Travels of the Marquis de Lafayette Join Studebaker National Museum curator Kyle Sater for an in-depth look at the life and legacy of one the heroes of the Revolutionary era—the Marquis de Lafayette—and his triumphant return to the U.S. for a “farewell tour” in 1824. […]
Join Studebaker National Museum Archivist, Andrew Beckman, at 1:30pm on Wednesday, March 19th, for, “Landaus, Tourers and Broughams, Oh My! ” a look at the history behind Studebaker body styles and coachwork. The presentation will review coachbuilding’s horse-drawn era roots and examine Studebaker and industry design and technological developments from 1910’s-1950s. Also featured will be […]
From croquet sets and baseball bats to doll carriages and record-breaking wagons, the South Bend Toy Company once ruled as a global toy titan. But behind the success were fiery factory disasters, wartime contributions, and a remarkable legacy of craftsmanship. Join author and historian Aaron Helman on Wednesday, April 16, as he uncovers how this […]
Join the Museum Wednesday, May 21st, as Indiana Landmarks Director, Todd Zeiger, speaks on the lasting architectural legacy of the Studebaker family. Zeiger's talk will explore the many buildings the Studebakers built in South Bend and other cities, as well as the notable architects they retained for the designs. The brothers not only constructed homes […]
