The Move from Midland to Dearborn

           DEARBORN, MI, July 7, 1997 -- A team of visionaries in the late 1980s began a process to move the Automotive Hall of Fame from Midland to a new facility that would be more accessible to a larger number of people. The new Automotive Hall of Fame, now in the final stages of construction in Dearborn, Michigan, officially opens August 16.
           Detroit native Gene McKinney, an executive in the Washington, D.C., office of the Motor Vehicle and Manufacturers Association, was named President of the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1993 to lead the largest initiative in the worldwide organization's 56-year history.
           Two years later, Automotive Hall of Fame Board Chairman Ronald L. Cutler appointed a Capital Campaign Committee comprised of James L. Pfeifer, then of Ford Motor Company; Bruce A. Brown, then of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and McKinney.
           The Board initiated a site location search that culminated in selecting a site adjacent to Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village. The Hall of Fame has a 99-year, $1-a-year lease with Edison Institute, governing body of Henry Ford Museum, for two acres of land next door to the Museum.
           With the concept in place for an organization to celebrate the worldwide motor vehicle industry's accomplished individuals for the purpose of encouraging others to achieve more in their lives and work, and with a site decided, McKinney drew upon experienced professionals in the museum field and the automotive industry in assembling his management team. Robert Stockton was named Director of Development and Public Affairs, bringing international automotive experience with Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi to the Hall of Fame.
           Former Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village Senior External Relations Officer and career museum professional G. Donald Adams was named Director of Marketing and Visitor Services for the Hall of Fame.
           Daniel Kroupa, previously at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, is Manager of Educational Programs and Outreach.
           In its opening year, it is expected that the Hall of Fame will have 12 full-time employees supported by contracted services and by those who are working part-time or as volunteers.
           The new Automotive Hall of Fame is designed and built to be a visitor attraction and educational resource. It celebrates accomplished people of the worldwide motor vehicle industry for the purpose of inspiring others, especially young people, to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. It is a unique "people place" of innovation and inspiration where interactive experiences and one-on-one demonstrations are entertaining and enlightening.

21400 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48121 USA
Telephone (313) 240-4000
Fax (313) 240-8641