Automotive Hall of Fame facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Automotive Hall of Fame

Automotive Hall of Fame in 2011
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Established	October 18, 1939 (1939-10-18)
Location	21400 Oakwood Blvd Dearborn, MI 48126

The Automotive Hall of Fame is a special place in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. It's like a museum and a hall of fame all in one. This place celebrates the most important people in the history of cars and the auto industry. It's part of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, which highlights Michigan's role in car history.

History of the Automotive Hall of Fame

How It All Began

The Automotive Hall of Fame started on October 18, 1939. It began in New York City. A group called the "Automobile Old Timers" created it. Their main goal was to remember the first car pioneers. They also wanted to honor people from all parts of the car world. This includes people from all over the globe.

For its first 30 years, the Hall of Fame changed its name four times. In 1957, it was called "Automotive Old Timers." This new name showed it included more than just car makers. It also covered related industries. In 1971, it became "The Automotive Organization Team." Finally, it became known as "The Automotive Hall of Fame." This last name helped it grow even more.

Celebrating Car Pioneers

In 1946, the Hall worked on the "National Golden Jubilee." This event celebrated 50 years since the first car was made. General William S. Knudsen helped choose the first people for the Hall of Fame. He said they picked "Ten pioneers whose engineering and administrative genius made possible the present day."

These first honorees included famous names like Henry Ford and Alfred P. Sloan Jr.. Other important figures were Edgar Apperson, William Crapo Durant, J. Frank Duryea, George M. Holley, Charles B. King, Charles W. Nash, Barney Oldfield, and Ransom E. Olds.

Moving to New Homes

The organization moved to Washington, D.C. in 1960. It shared space in the National Automobile Dealers Association building. In 1971, it moved to Midland, Michigan. There, it got its first dedicated home at Northwood University.

In 1997, the Hall of Fame moved to its current location. This is a large, 25,000-square-foot building. It is in Dearborn, Michigan, right next to The Henry Ford museum. Besides old car items, it has a small theater. It also has a central area for public events and exhibits. The Hall celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014.

Awards and Honorees

The Hall of Fame honors important people in the car industry every year. By 2016, 271 people had been inducted. These honorees include the founders of many famous car companies. Some examples are Benz, Bosch, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Porsche, and Toyota.

Besides the main Hall of Fame induction, three other awards are given each year:

• Distinguished Service Citation
• Industry Leader of the Year Award
• Young Leader and Excellence Award

Anyone can suggest a person for the Hall of Fame. You can also nominate someone for the Distinguished Service Citation. The Young Leader and Excellence Award also accepts nominations. You just fill out a form or send a letter with helpful information. The Industry Leader of the Year Award is chosen only by the Awards Committee.

Inductees

Other Similar Places

In 2001, the European Automotive Hall of Fame was created. It welcomed its first 13 members that year. Special plaques honoring these people will be placed at Palexpo. This is where the Geneva Auto Show takes place.

See Also

• List of motor vehicle awards