Studebaker National Museum facts for kids
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| Location | 201 S. Chapin Street South Bend, Indiana |
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| Type | Automobile |
The Studebaker National Museum is a cool place in South Bend, Indiana, USA. It shows off many different vehicles. You can see cars, wagons, and even military vehicles. All these items tell the story of the Studebaker company and how it helped shape American history.
Contents
Exploring the Museum
The Studebaker National Museum is connected to The History Museum. They share an entrance, forming a place called The Museums at Washington and Chapin. You can buy a ticket to visit just one museum or both.
What You'll See Inside
The Studebaker museum has three levels to explore.
- The main floor shows Studebaker's early history. You'll find vehicles from the 1800s up to 1934 here.
- The upper floor displays vehicles made from 1934 onwards. These are often more modern-looking cars.
- The lower level has military vehicles and equipment. It also has more vehicles stored on special lifts. You can still see them clearly.
- Another area on the main floor tells about the Studebaker family. It also shares the history of the Oliver family. They made farm equipment like the Oliver Chilled Plow in South Bend.
Amazing Vehicles and More
Most of the museum's collection came from the Studebaker company itself. However, new vehicles are still added sometimes. The museum has over 70 vehicles. It also features many photos and displays. There's a huge collection of photos and documents not currently on display.
Highlights of the Collection
The museum mainly focuses on the Studebaker company's history. This includes the wagons, cars, trucks, and military vehicles they built for over 100 years. But the collection also has other cool vehicles and products made nearby.
Some of the most interesting items you can see include:
- Many different Studebaker cars and trucks. You'll also see "concept cars." These are special cars built to show new ideas, not for sale.
- Some Packard cars and concept cars. Studebaker and Packard companies joined together for a while.
- The actual carriage used by President Abraham Lincoln. Carriages from other U.S. presidents are also on display.
- A Conestoga wagon. Pioneers used wagons like this to travel across the Great Plains.
- A 1902 Studebaker Electric car. Yes, Studebaker made electric cars a long time ago!
- Studebaker military vehicles. These were built during World War I and World War II.
- Several Hummer vehicles, including the Humvee. These are made by AM General in nearby Mishawaka, Indiana.
- A special Studebaker Champion car. This 2-door sedan was used in the movie The Muppet Movie.
Museum's New Home
In November 2005, the museum opened its new building. It is located on Chapin Street, right next to The History Museum. The new building's design looks like the old Studebaker factory buildings in the area. This helps keep the company's history alive.
More to Explore
- America's Packard Museum
- Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
- List of automobile manufacturers
- List of museums in Indiana
