The Gilmore Car Museum started in the early 1960s. Donald S. Gilmore, former Upjohn Company leader, began a project that would become famous¹. He started with a 1927 Ford Model T, a 1913 Rolls Royce, and a 1920 Pierce Arrow. He restored them in his home on Gull Lake².

This work made him love vintage cars even more. He wanted to grow his collection. This passion for old cars grew over time.

In 1966, Genevieve Gilmore suggested making the collection a public museum. This way, others could see his love for cars². The Gilmores started a non-profit and opened the museum on July 31, 1966. They showed 35 vintage cars to the public for the first time².

This move made the museum famous. It became a place where car lovers and history fans could enjoy together.

Key Takeaways

• The Gilmore Car Museum was founded in 1966 by Donald S. Gilmore, a passionate collector of vintage automobiles.
• Gilmore’s initial collection included iconic vehicles such as a 1927 Ford Model T, a 1913 Rolls Royce, and a 1920 Pierce Arrow.
• Genevieve Gilmore had the idea to turn her husband’s collection into a public museum, ensuring the preservation of automotive history.
• The Gilmore Car Museum opened its doors on July 31, 1966, with 35 vintage automobiles on display.
• The museum’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the story of the automobile has made it a world-renowned institution.

The Vision and Mission of the Gilmore Car Museum

The³ Gilmore Car Museum aims to be a top car museum in North America. It tells America’s story through cars³. The museum values sharing car history, honesty, and integrity. It also values its unique setting and offers educational programs for the community.

Preserving and Interpreting the Story of the Automobile

The Gilmore Car Museum³ works hard to keep the car’s history alive. Cars have greatly influenced American culture⁴. The museum shows how cars have evolved, from the first American-made cars in 1896 to today’s self-driving cars.

Fostering Experiences that Connect People with the Heritage of Cars

⁴ Young people are less interested in driving and owning cars. The Gilmore Car Museum⁴ offers special experiences and programs. These aim to make people appreciate the car’s rich history and cultural importance.

⁴ The museum also hosts events like the Cadillac Fall Festival⁵. These celebrate American car brands’ design and history⁵. With over 400 cars, visitors get to learn and enjoy the car’s history.

By³ being a guardian of car history, the Gilmore Car Museum is dedicated. It aims to inspire a new generation of car lovers. It also helps people understand the car’s big impact on culture.

The Origins: Donald S. Gilmore’s Passion for Vintage Cars

Donald S. Gilmore’s love for vintage cars started in 1963. His wife, Genevieve, gave him a 1920 Pierce-Arrow as a retirement gift⁶. Over time, his collection grew to include 37 cars, a steamboat, a steam tractor, and a biplane⁶.

From a Hobby to a Museum: The Gilmores’ Legacy

As his collection grew, Gilmore bought a 90-acre property in Hickory Corners, Michigan⁶. Genevieve wanted to share their collection with the public. In 1966, the Gilmore Car Museum opened its doors⁶. Today, the museum is run by the Gilmore family, with two of Donald’s grandsons on the board.

The Founding of the Museum in 1966

The Gilmore Car Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It hosts over a dozen car shows each year⁶. The museum has over 400 vehicles in historic buildings on 90 acres⁶.

The first show, “The Donald Gilmore Classic,” will feature cars from 1896 to 1942⁶. It’s expected to be the biggest gathering of pre-WWII vehicles in the area⁶. Tickets are $12 for adults, and kids under 11 get in free⁶.

Rooms at Four Points by Sheraton are available for the event. They offer standard rooms with breakfast for two at $118 plus tax. Dual rooms with breakfast are $146 plus tax⁶.

History Of The Gilmore Car Museum

The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan, is a key part of America’s car history⁷. It has over 400 antique cars, motorcycles, and more, showing how cars have changed over time⁷. With 190,000 square feet of space, it’s the biggest car museum in North America⁷.

A World-Renowned Collection of Automobiles

The museum’s collection goes from the early days of cars to today’s supercars⁷. You can see vintage diners, a 1930s Shell Station, and more⁷. Every year, 127,000 people visit, making it a top spot for car lovers and history fans⁷.

Showcasing America’s Story Through Cars

The Gilmore Car Museum tells America’s story through cars⁸. It shows how cars have shaped our culture and society⁸. You can see legendary muscle cars or tin toys from the past⁸.

The museum is dedicated to keeping car history alive⁷⁸. It offers many exhibits and programs, sharing the car’s rich heritage with visitors worldwide⁷⁸.

Exploring the Gilmore Car Museum’s Historic Campus

The Gilmore Car Museum spans 90 acres, filled with vintage structures and exhibits. It takes visitors back in time⁹. With over 600 cars, including 400 on display, it offers a unique experience⁹.

Recreated Vintage Structures and Exhibits

The museum is known for its historical recreations. Guests can visit a 1941 Silk City Diner and a 1930s Shell Station⁹. There are also six Partner Museums, each focusing on a different part of car history⁹.

The Model A Ford Museum is a highlight. It’s a 1928 Ford Dealership with gas pumps and a service bay⁹. It lets visitors experience the early days of cars.

The museum also hosts weekly cruise-ins from May to September. Up to 700 cars show up each night⁹. There’s also a Model T driving experience from May to October. It lets people drive three miles with an instructor⁹.

The Gilmore Car Museum is dedicated to the history of cars. It offers a fun and educational experience for everyone⁹¹⁰.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The Gilmore Car Museum puts education first. It has many programs for all ages. These programs help people appreciate the history of cars¹¹.

Offering Unique Experiences and Driving Programs

The museum’s cruise-in events are a big hit, drawing up to 700 cars¹¹. There’s also a Model T driving experience from May to October. It lets visitors feel what it’s like to drive a vintage car¹¹.

Supporting the Future of Automotive Restoration

The museum helps young people become car enthusiasts and restorers. The Gilmore Garage Works program teaches high school students skills like welding and painting. It prepares them to care for car history¹².

The Gilmore Car Museum wants to keep telling the story of cars. It aims to engage the local gilmore car museum community and inspire future generations¹¹.

Conclusion

The Gilmore Car Museum’s journey shows the lasting impact of passion and preservation. It started with Donald S. Gilmore’s love for old cars. Now, it’s a famous place that honors the history and culture of cars¹³.

As the biggest car museum in North America, it celebrates the car’s genius and cultural value. It has hundreds of cars from different times and makers¹³.

The museum keeps history alive with its vast collection and educational programs¹⁴. It takes visitors on a journey through America’s car history¹⁴. It also supports car restoration, ensuring the car’s story will live on.

The Gilmore Car Museum keeps growing in importance. It’s a beacon for car lovers, historians, and anyone who admires car creativity¹⁴. Its lasting impact shows the power of passion, preservation, and the car’s timeless charm.

Source Links

1. History & Mission – https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/about/history-and-mission
2. MotorCities – The Gilmore Car Museum, A Place to See Automotive History | 2019 – https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2019/the-gilmore-car-museum-a-place-to-see-automotive-history
3. Gilmore Car Museum with Ken Fischang – Call of Leadership – https://callofleadership.com/gilmore-car-museum-with-ken-fischang/
4. Microsoft Word – AAT Vision–External Vision May 2019.docx – https://www.americasautomotivetrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AAT-Vision-External-Vision-May-2019.pdf
5. The Cadillac Fall Festival At The Gilmore Museum In Hickory Corners, MI on September 27-28, 2024 – Car Collectors Club – https://carcollectorsclub.com/event/the-gilmore-car-museum-celebrates-the-cadillac-lasalle/
6. Gilmore Car Museum Honors Founders With NEW Pre-WWII Car Show – https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/gilmore-car-museum-honors-founders-new-pre-wwii-car-show
7. Gilmore Car Museum – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilmore_Car_Museum
8. Gilmore Car Museum | Circle Michigan – https://www.circlemichigan.com/gilmore-car-museum-evokes-memories-for-visitors/
9. Exploring Michigan: Gilmore car museum – https://wwmt.com/features/exploring-michigan/gilmore-car-exploring-michigan-museum-automobile-history-hickory-corners-destination-day-trip-vintage-model-a-ford
10. 7 Incredible Exhibits At The Gilmore Car Museum In Kalamazoo – https://thekalamazoohouse.com/blog/gilmore-car-museum-kalamazoo/
11. Executive Director [Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, MI] – https://sites.tufts.edu/museumstudents/2016/07/01/executive-director-gilmore-car-museum-hickory-corners-mi/
12. Revving up: The transformative experience of the Gilmore Garage Works program – https://www.secondwavemedia.com/rural-innovation-exchange/features/gilmorecarmuseum.aspx
13. Swedish Steel Meets at Gilmore: A Historic Gathering of Volvo and Saab Enthusiasts – https://www.saabplanet.com/swedish-steel-meets-at-gilmore-a-historic-gathering-of-volvo-and-saab-enthusiasts/
14. Historic Travels – https://lmelm.net/historic-travels/