The RV/MH Hall of Fame is pursuing a capital fundraising program to raise $1.7 million to fund the manufactured housing (MH) industry’s new museum space.
The 21,000-square-foot building, set to open July 30, will debut what President Darryl Searer said is the “yesterday, today and tomorrow” of the MH industry, including vintage and modern units, historical artifacts and more.
“The timing is right and the excitement is unbelievable,” Searer said. “We are starting to get results in, people are committing and sending checks. Even RV [industry] people have donated to the manufactured housing museum.”
Searer said that the hall’s location in Elkhart, Indiana, is considered the “MH industry birthplace” as well as the RV capital.
The museum’s pledges currently stand at $1,053,100, Searer said, with $542,100 received and in the bank. The MH building’s indoor experience will have a $400,000 budget.
The MH museum building was ordered Jan. 8 with a $1 million price tag and delivery expectations around mid-April. Searer said the building was purchased with an additional 1,000 square feet and 5 feet of raised roof height than originally planned.
“When you visit, you are going to learn about yesterday and see what’s going on today, with some futuristic things, too,” Searer said.
Three MH units dating back to 1935, 1955 and 1973 will be on display. The building likely will be two-thirds full of vintage units, Searer said, with one-third designated to modern factory homes. The facility will include family and kid areas, similar to the RV museum’s Go RVing hall, Searer noted. Newer MH units will be switched out every one to two years to debut modern innovations.
“We appreciate any and all donations,” Searer said. “This is going to be a great improvement in the hall of fame and museum.”
Donate to the RV/MH Hall of Fame here or contact Searer at 574-903-3850. The museum is accepting different donation levels:
Copper – $1,000
Bronze – $5,000
Silver – $10,000
Gold – $25,000
Diamond – $50,000
Platinum – $100,000
