In the mid-1990s, Harold and Nancy LeMay were having something of a car problem. Namely, the housing of a collection which had reached 3000 vehicles.
Their collection was already appreciated across America and at various events attended, but they wanted a more permanent home for at least some of the automobiles. In 1997, the Harold E. LeMay Museum donated the collection to the public with the inception of a not-for-profit charity which would work to preserve the car’s history and its influence on American culture.
Sadly, Harold passed away in 2000, but Nancy forged ahead with finding a home for what’s reckoned to be one of the world’s largest collections. In 2002, the city of Tacoma gifted nine acres to the charity and planning began on building America’s Car Museum.
Two years on and plans for the campus were unveiled. Nancy LeMay committed 975 vehicles and $15m to the museum. Fund raising continued with the hope of breaking ground in 2008. Those hopes were lost to the global economic downturn, a time which hit the auto industry as hard as any across America. The charity officials doubled down and secured funding from across 44 US States, four Canadian provinces and 10 foreign countries outside of America. By the end of 2009, the finances were 90% in place.
The time had arrived and, on June 11th, 2010, construction work began. Two years later, the beautiful building – which will house this year’s DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit – was completed.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum is one of the most beautiful locations in all of America
Fittingly, Nancy LeMay was the first through the door following a grand opening attended by 1,100 guests, including Jay Leno – one of America’s most famous and influential car aficionados. There were 10,000 visitors on that first weekend and more than 100,000 had admired the breathtaking collection by the end of the summer.
Approaching its 13th birthday, LeMay – America’s Car Museum goes from strength-to-strength. At its core it remains among the world’s finest collections of cars, telling the story of the automobile world from an American perspective in 165,000 square feet.
David Madeira is somebody who understands and appreciates the American public’s love of the automobile. As President and CEO of LeMay – America’s Car Museum, David is delighted to align with the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit.
He said: “America’s Car Museum is committed to celebrating our country’s love affair with the automobile. As such we seek to partner with like-minded organizations which promote driving and give the enthusiasts the opportunity to do so in the company of others.
“We could have no better partner in this endeavor than DirtFish, which brings the excitement of rallying to individuals who have never had such an opportunity to test themselves behind the wheel in a dynamic, off-road experience. We’re proud of this association and grateful for DirtFish’s efforts on our behalf as well.”
LeMay – America’s Car Museum celebrates the US's love of the automobile
Marketing manager of America’s Automotive Trust Jake Welk added: “Education is at the core of our mission at LeMay – America’s Car Museum, which is why we are so grateful to have a partner like DirtFish.
DirtFish’s work in the rally community – and the car community as a whole – complements our efforts in bringing like-minded organizations together to celebrate car culture and make it available for the next generation.
“Supporting DirtFish’s rally and Women in Motorsport initiatives, helps us create more diversity for our collection and education programs at the Museum, ultimately expanding our audiences as we continue to collaborate and share resources so that together we can make a greater impact in the automotive world.”
Tickets to the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit on Saturday May 24th include exclusive access to ACM. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday. It’s our kind of history lesson.
DirtFish Women in Motorsport co-ordinator Josie Rimmer said: “When we realized we had outgrown our own Rally School property following the third annual Summit last year, there was really only one place we wanted to go.
“LeMay – America’s Car Museum is a real source of pride for the Pacific Northwest and all of America. It’s the most amazing place; honestly you go there and you could lose days walking through the halls. It’s awesome.
“When I first approached ACM with the idea of moving the DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit there, I wasn’t sure what the response would be. It couldn’t have been better, the whole team there were incredible, so warm and welcoming. It still amazes me how quickly the Summit has grown and it’ll be a pretty emotional moment when we open those doors on the morning of Saturday May 24th.”
