Capital Campaign

Framing Our Future

At the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, we understand that our historic building is our most essential artifact. The automotive rolling sculptures of the 1920s and 1930s that shaped the history of America must be kept safe in our walls, and under our roof. 

To preserve this art deco marvel, designed by renowned architect A.M. Strauss, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum is committed to raise $5 million, about half of which has been pledged, for important capital upgrades. These updates will allow the museum to continue to excite and educate our visitors with exhibits and programming highlighting Auburn's role in the development of the automobile industry. 

We want this jewel of Auburn and DeKalb County to shine for many more future generations! To help ensure the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum may continue to maintain and preserve this significant building, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the non-profit museum today.

Capital Campaign Case Statement

Donate to the Capital Campaign

The doors of the Auburn Automobile Company closed in the summer of 1937.  Fifty years ago, the building was saved from demolition and was slowly brought back to life as an historic time capsule.  In 2005, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior bestowed upon ACDAM the status of National Historic Landmark, which is the highest distinction in the country.  Regarding the history of the site, it is stated that, “The facility possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.”

Now, the building that houses the rolling sculptures of the 1920s and 1930s that shaped the history of America and invited people from all over the world to celebrate its significance. 

The building also preserves the essence of its original purpose and interprets that story through its exhibits and programs. 

Our building needs to be preserved, restored, and rehabilitated to continue to meet its standards as a National Historic Landmark, and to protect its integrity and its priceless, irreplaceable contents.

The critical needs are:

Replacement

  • Deteriorating roof and rooftop air handlers, which are allowing leakage into the building
  • Deteriorating cast iron window lintels with stainless steel
  • Deteriorating brick

Repair

  • Original metal windows and frames
  • Electrical and security systems
  • HVAC, plumbing, and utilities
  • Plaster

Restore

  • Historic paint colors
  • Building finishes
  • Original floors
  • Masonry repointing

These are significant projects which are needed to preserve our past and secure our future and we can't do it alone, but you can help!