Studebaker National Museum
Local history, presidential lore and automotive progress combine at Studebaker National Museum, where gearheads can peruse roughly 120 vehicles and history buffs can get an up-close look at how transportation has evolved over the years.
Presidential Carriage Collection
Studebaker National Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of U.S. presidential carriages. It features the barouche Abraham Lincoln used en route to Ford’s Theatre the night of his assassination.
Others in the collection include carriages used by Ulysses S. Grant, William McKinley and Benjamin Harrison.
The Original Collection
Studebaker Corporation in 1966 donated its 33-vehicle collection to the City of South Bend. It included the presidential carriages and the family’s Conestoga wagon. Together it formed the basis for the museum. It runs the gamut of automobiles produced by Studebaker during the height of its production.
Special Exhibits
Some exhibits move in and out of the museum, meaning you'll want to visit regularly to see what's new. Here's what the museum has on display now or coming soon.
Top of the Line: Studebaker's President: Since it debuted in 1927, the President has been considered Studebaker's top model. This exhibit includes only models considered "full classics" by the Classic Car Club of America. Runs until May 28, 2023.
Built to Last: Studebaker Buildings Past and Present: Studebaker's peak as a global company wasn't just represented through automobiles. Its buildings included productions facilities, showrooms, dealerships and more in cities and towns around the world. Using historical and current photographs, this exhibit takes a look at many of these iconic buildings.
The Military Collection
Studebaker as a company worked with the U.S. government dating back to its beginnings as a wagon producer. That tradition continued through the Vietnam War. Many of these vehicles are on display at the museum. Studebaker transferred its government contracts in 1964 to Kaiser-Jeep.
In an ode to local history, the museum also displays some vehicles made by the local AM General plant, which has operated in the military sphere.