Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum receives grant

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum has received a $38,232 Heartland Fund matching challenge grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation of Janesville, Wis.

The grant will fund 50 percent of the cost of a Historic Structure Report for the former Auburn Automobile Company administration building, built in 1929 in Auburn, Ind. The building is part of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Facility National Historic Landmark designation. The building is a highly treasured artifact in the museum collection and is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the Midwest.

“We are grateful to the Jeffris Family Foundation for this generous grant to secure a plan that will be our road map for the stability and preservation of this building for generations to come,” said museum executive director Laura Brinkman. “The report will provide written documentation about current conditions and will offer treatment recommendations and remedies that are appropriate for a National Historic Landmark site.”

The Jeffris Family Foundation assists the development of historic sites for nonprofit organizations in small towns and cities in eight Midwest states, including Indiana.Founded in Janesville, Wisconsin in 1979, the Jeffris Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving regionally and nationally important historic buildings and decorative arts projects for future generations. The Jeffris Heartland Fund supports quality planning for restoration projects leading to capital campaigns for restoration work.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum features more than 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s international headquarters of the Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.