Support Historic Preservation

At the Automotive Hall of Fame, we keep stories of discovery and achievement alive. We are one of the only institutions worldwide focused on preserving and telling the stories of the global mobility industry. We want to bring these resources to our awardees, visitors, students, policymakers, and a more general, global audience.

An important part of this effort will be to digitize our extensive archives. In order to do this, we will require a specialized scanner to handle historic materials and artifacts, like the two pictured below.

These two glass plate negatives were recently discovered in our collection and feature 1997 AHF Inductees Walter, Windsor, and Rollin White. The brothers developed White Steamer cars and trucks that were known for their quality and performance in the early 1900s. A White Steamer car was The White House’s first automobile, put into service during Taft’s administration in 1909. The first image, dated 1904, shows a White Steamer car during the Sealed Bonnet Contest sponsored by the Automobile Club of America. The second photo, dated 1905, shows a White Steamer car nicknamed “Whistling Billy.” We were able to preserve these images thanks to assistance from Wayne State University. A professional scanner will help us continue to digitize our archives in-house.

The pro-quality scanner, with advanced control to archive film and photos, will enable us to digitally archive assets that will be used to help us honor and celebrate yesterday’s innovators as well as inspire and engage future mobility pioneers.

This holiday season, and Giving Tuesday in particular, we are asking for donations from the general public to purchase this item. With only 50 donations of $20, we will reach our goal. To donate to this cause, please visit our Donate page.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Thank you for your support.