Thirty-One Years Ago - The National Automobile Museum turns 30

Thirty-One Years Ago

This is a very special year: the Museum turns 30 on November 5, 2019.

was Sunday, November 5, 1989, when the doors were officially opened to the public, following a stunning gala the evening before. This year the Museum’s annual Anniversary Party for members Itand supporters will be on November 7, 2019, and will be a celebration of this milestone.

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the March 2019 issue of Precious Metal, we shared news from 30 years ago in celebration of the Museum’s 30th Anniversary. Here’s another installment, this time from 31 years ago.

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The following three articles are excerpts from “Precious Metal” newsletter, Volume Two, #1, August 1988

“PAVING THE WAY”

In major actions that have paved the way for the start of construction on the Foundation’s new museum, the Reno Redevelopment Agency has approved the Foundation’s new lease of the Lake and Mill Street museum location, and authorized the expenditure of up to $400,000 to deliver a construction ready site for the museum building. Both of these actions were essential steps in allowing progress to continue on the museum project.

The lease was unanimously approved by the Reno City Council (serving in its capacity as the Reno Redevelopment Agency) and allows the Foundation to lease the museum site for $1 per year while construction loans are being repaid. The Redevelopment Agency paid nearly $6 million to acquire the Truckee River site in downtown Reno for the new museum.

Surveys and soil testing at the construction site indicated some adulterated fill and an underground irrigation ditch running the length of the property. The fill must be replaced and the ditch relocated. The Redevelopment Agency’s action in funding these unanticipated expenses preserves the Foundation’s budget for building and exhibit expenses and reflects the Agency’s interest in having a “finished project that reflects as much quality as is practicably achievable.”

“NEW NAME”

Reflecting on the world-wide reputation of the collection and library assembled by Bill Harrah, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees voted at its June [1988] meeting to adopt a new name for the new museum:

The William F. Harrah Foundation NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM

In claiming “National” status for the new facility, Trustees noted the Foundation’s holdings include the most comprehensive pre-1925 automobile collection in the nation, if not the world; highly representative and quality examples; and one of America’s largest automobile displays available to the public. When combined with what arguably will be the finest automobile museum facility in the world, The William F. Harrah Foundation NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM will be a true American treasure.

Logotypes for the new name are now being designed, and when construction is completed, will be emblazoned on a unique “totem” sign marking the Lake Street pedestrian entrance of the new building. Also featuring automobile symbols and logos, the “totem” is expected to become a landmark second only to the City of Reno’s world-famous Arch.

Note: When the nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization was formed in 1981, it was named The Harrah Automobile Foundation. Use of the Foundation name would be dropped years later. The Museum would undergo another name change in 1998 when it began doing business as the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection). Financial limitations during construction prevented the “totem” sign from becoming a notable landmark as originally planned.

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“CONSTRUCTION UPDATE”

By the time this issue of Precious Metal reaches most readers, site preparation for the new museum will already be underway. More significantly, official ground breaking ceremonies will be close at hand.

Contracts for demolition were let in mid-June [1988]. Five existing buildings, several signs, some trees, fences and other objects have to be removed to make way for the new 100,000 square foot museum structure, a new parking lot and landscaping. It is anticipated that this work will take approximately one month to be completed in late July or early August.

As this is written, the date for groundbreaking ceremonies has not been specified. However, planning for this long-awaited event is well underway. Invited guests and spectators can anticipate an exciting and festive occasion, and although we will not give away the scenario here, it is rumored that Ben Dasher, Chairman of the Foundation Trustees, has been seen practicing his best “Gentlemen Start Your Engines” racing technique.

Excerpt from “Express News,” October 1988

“OFF AND RUNNING”

Groundbreaking for The William F. Harrah Foundation NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM took place September 15th. Approximately 250 people attended the ceremonies. Foundation Chairman Ben Dasher, Mayor Pete Sferrazza, Lt. Governor Bob Miller, and Chamber of Commerce Executive VP Ron Watson spoke on the project’s history and exciting future. These four then competed in a “grand prix” golf cart race for the privilege of signaling the start of work. Ben Dasher won, and at his command a giant back hoe took the first scoop of earth. Completion of the new museum will take approximately one year. Krump Construction, Inc. of Reno has been awarded the contract for general construction of the new museum.

BLUE STAR MUSEUMS NATIONAL PROGRAM

ACTIVE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES VISIT FOR FREE

The National Automobile Museum joined museums nationwide in participating in the tenth summer of Blue Star Museums, a program which provides free admission to our nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families this summer. The 2019 program began earlier than in past years, launching on Saturday, May 18, 2019, Armed Forces Day, and will end on Monday, September 2, 2019, Labor Day. Military can find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

As part of the Blue Star Museums National Program, museums roll out the red carpet for active duty military personnel and their families. It’s a well-deserved salute to those who serve our country to protect our freedom. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.

Blue Star Museums is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide.

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