It’s really easy to take a lot of things for granted in life. The automotive museum world is definitely not immune. I would say almost every automotive museum in the world is constantly working on some sort of fundraising effort to ensure their doors can remain open to the public.

There are a handful of exceptions, where admission is free to the museum, funding isn’t an issue and if funds are raised they go to other charities. There are not a lot of these museums, but it is fantastic they exist.

But, for the majority of museums, the constant battle to raise funds is never ending. Even if the building the museum calls home is paid for, the cost of utilities, taxes, and maintenance can be extremely high.

Plus, there are all the little things that add up quickly. Marketing expenses, software, payroll, cleaning and bathroom supplies, it’s actually a lot. Not to mention moving cars isn’t cheap, nor is insurance.

This is why it may seem like your favorite automotive museum is always trying to raise funds. Revenue from admission alone is never enough to support any museum.

Car shows are great ways to raise funds. I was able to attend Savoy Automobile Museum‘s annual show on Saturday, and it was fantastic. They had to bring in all the help they could to handle the large crowd, but based on what I saw, it was worth it, both for the attendees, visitors and the museum.

At the same time, I had a benefit car show going on at Miles Through Time Automotive Museum. This was the first time I wasn’t actually at the museum during a car show, but it worked out because of the people I have that help me make everything possible.

The show at MTT wasn’t put on by the museum. I like to provide the location for other organizations to put on their fundraiser events. The event on Saturday was to specifically raise funds for a family dealing with cancer. From what I hear, they raised enough money to really make a financial difference, and that’s what it is all about.

I think it is fantastic when an automotive museum can help make an impact outside the automotive museum world. The more financially secure the museum is, the more likely they are to be able to help assist in raising funds for things outside of having to do with cars.

Miles Through Time Automotive Museum is not there yet, but little things like providing our parking lot are easy.

This week I want to share with you the world of Packard. In fact, you may not have heard of it before, and that may be because I just made it up, but did you know there is a Packard Triangle?

It’s true, there it is.

Admittedly, I’ve never been to the National Packard Museum. However, I do know the museum started as a 7,500 square foot facility and after raising enough funds, they were able to add another 10,000 square feet to the museum. The museum rotates through original and restored Packards, so you won’t know what Packards you’ll see until you get there.

The Packard Proving Grounds Historical Site is the most northern Packard museum. You won’t see a lot of Packards at this historical site, but the history is vast. The vehicles they do have are amazing and if you’re a fan of architecture, there will be a bonus for you.

The third Packard museum is America’s Packard Museum and it will be home to the 2026 NAAM Conference. I’m a fan of this museum and the people that operate. I was stoked to see a DeLorean on display during my last visit and for those who would question why a DeLorean would be on display in a Packard museum, that is exactly why a DeLorean is on display in Packard Museum.

America’s Packard Museum is currently trying to raise funds to replace their roof. I know all too well how important a good roof is, especially when there are priceless automotive artifacts underneath said roof. If you’d like to help support America’s Packard Museum with getting a new roof, you can donate HERE. They have already secured a $10,000 challenge grant to help achieve their goal.

Just because I know you’re curious, it is 478 miles between the three museums. You could expect a 4-hour drive or less between each museum.

Have a great week!

SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S 3 AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUMS.

Plan your next trip, discover your new favorite, or find the nearest museum

 Sean Mathis
Creator of Automotive Museum Guide
Founder of Miles Through Time Automotive Museum

P.S. Make sure you follow AMG on Facebook and join the FB Group to see what’s going on at all the museums.