NCET Biz Tip: Reno’s National Automobile Museum has the “WOW” factor

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It has been said that everybody has an automobile story. It’s our connection to the past. Aside from taking one back to childhood memories, vehicles connect children or grandchildren to their roots. Nothing does that quite like Reno’s own National Automobile Museum (NAM).

USA TODAY​ calls Reno's National Automobile Museum​ (NAM) one of the countries 12 must-see exhibits. NAM has 200 eye-popping cars with authentic street scenes, sounds, and facades - as well as the Challenger Space Center. If you add in unique event and party venue space for corporate training, luncheons, receptions, dinners, weddings, or other special events, NAM is a detour you must take.

How did it all get started?  Bill Harrah was a prominent gaming pioneer who founded Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos and the former Harrah’s Automobile Collection. He assembled the largest and most historically significant collection in the world that reached close to 1,400 vehicles. After his death in 1978, Holiday Inns purchased Harrah’s Hotels and Harrah’s Automobile Collection in 1980.

Following an announcement of plans to sell the collection, a tremendous public outcry erupted across Nevada and even the nation. Responding to this outcry, Holiday Inns donated 175 cars and the research library to the future nonprofit museum. At the time, it was the largest corporate philanthropic gift in our nation’s history.

With generous donations from the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency, the State of Nevada, and many individuals and organizations, NAM opened on November 5, 1989, with much fanfare and national and international publicity. Private owners have since donated another 60 vehicles.

Is NAM federally subsidized?  The answer is No. It’s a non-profit organization solely funded through admission, donations, and memberships. NAM is staffed by only 10 employees and approximately 30 dedicated volunteers. The passion and support of the community is key to NAM’s success.

There are many things that will impress you when you visit NAM. You will see… 

  • Home of the Challenger Space Center of Northern Nevada focused on space exploration.

  • Cars of the Stars 1912 - 1973 collection and a 1907 Thomas Flyer automobile.

  • “Be the Astronaut” exhibit for a first-person experience for all ages that teaches science and engineering content via a fusion of state-of-the-art video game technology, simulators, and actual NASA reconnaissance data.

  • Special exhibits featuring hot rods and cool customs.

  • Art and collectibles.

  • Hardware exhibit featuring collectible auto repair tools that kept the automobiles of the past on the road.

  • “Even in Africa” paintings by Reno artist, Robert Cinkel, depicting automobiles from NAM’s collection in intriguing locales around the world.

  • 157-seat theatre offering daily presentations and the perfect venue to book retreats, stage plays, storytelling, performances AND corporate meetings or training.

  • Museum store.

  • Full podcast studio for use by the public.

The Reno-Sparks area is steeped in car culture. The original Harrah Car Collection was located in Sparks and opened to the public as the largest car collection in the world at the time. The Harrah Collection has been a staple of the community for nearly 60 years. With Hot August Nights bringing the nation’s car lovers here every summer, it is only right that the National Automobile Museum resides in Reno.

Did I already say that the National Automobile Museum has a “WOW” factor like no other and is a detour you must take?

Want to learn more about Reno’s National Automobile Museum and Challenger Space Center? Sign up for NCET’s Tech Wednesday on August 11 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm with networking from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Children are welcome, and you can tickets and more information here.

Dave Archer is president/CEO of NCET which produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. (www.NCET.org)

 

Dave Archer