Museum of Automobiles Accepts Challenge

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Jill M. Rohrbach
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

   The Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust pledged a $100,000 Challenge Grant to the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain. The museum will have until Dec. 31to raise the $100,000 match.

   “Over the next few months, the Board of Directors will be making an appeal to friends of the museum,” Museum Director Buddy Hoelzeman said. “We have approved a five-year plan that, with the help of the Rockefeller Trust and friends of the museum, would keep us on a sound financial basis in the future. Therefore, we are asking for support of our efforts by requesting a five-year pledge to our special giving campaign.”

   The money raised will be allocated 25 percent for current operating expenses, 25 percent maintenance/building improvements and the 50 percent remainder to be invested in a fund to secure the future of the museum.

   Founded by the late Winthrop Rockefeller, the Museum of Automobiles opened in 1964 with his collection of antique and classic cars. Following his death in 1973, the museum building and grounds were given to Arkansas State Parks. A non-profit organization formed to reopen the museum the following year.

   “Continuing the museum’s operation is to continue the legacy of the late Winthrop Rockefeller,” according to Hoelzeman.

   Several of Rockefeller’s personal cars are on exhibit. The Museum of Automobiles plays an important role in the preservation, promotion and the activities of the antique vehicle hobby in Arkansas and surrounding states. The national headquarters of the Mid-America Old Time Automobile Association is located in the museum. It co-hosts with MOTAA the annual Petit Jean Antique Car Show and Swap Meet in June.

   The museum also hosts a Fall Swap Meet and Military Vehicle Show. The museum is a major tourist attraction and complements Petit Jean State Park and the nearby Winthrop Rockefeller Center. The museum is open year-round, closing only Christmas Day. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

   If you would like to contribute to this drive, please send your tax-deductible donation to The Museum of Automobiles Challenge Grant, Petit Jean Mountain, 8 Jones Lane, Morrilton, Ark. 72110. For more information call (501) 727-5427 and visit www.museumofautos.com.