RV/MH Heritage Foundation · Elkhart, Indiana · Preserving the legacy of two industries
RV/MH Heritage Foundation · Elkhart, Indiana · Preserving the legacy of two industries
Explore objects, vehicles, photographs, publications, and archival records that preserve the intertwined histories of recreation, travel, housing, design, and American industry.
The Foundation’s collections connect individual artifacts to the people, companies, and ideas that shaped recreational vehicles and manufactured housing. This page begins a curated interpretation of the historic museum inventory while the complete record is reviewed and structured.
Objects and exhibits on view may change. Contact the Foundation if you are planning a visit around a particular item.
These artifacts are drawn from the Foundation’s legacy museum inventory. Descriptions preserve the substance of the original collection records while improving readability.
Believed to be the oldest non-tent travel trailer in existence, this trailer was custom built for a California Institute of Technology professor.
Collection note: On permanent display courtesy of Wade Thompson, Thor Industries.
Built in California on the back of a Model T Ford roadster, this early unit features multiple slide-outs.
One of several distinctive early housecars built by Hollywood cinematographer Roy Hunt between 1935 and 1945.
The exterior is covered in leatherette and the roof is canvas-covered.
Collection note: Gift of Herb Reeves of Elkhart, Indiana, Hall of Fame member and past owner of Covered Wagon Inc.
A compact teardrop trailer paired with a 1930 Model A Ford, documented in the Foundation’s RV collection.
Collection note: Gift of Charles and Carolyn Gray of Tennessee.
An example of the first model built by Hall of Fame member Richard Klingler as he started Holiday Rambler.
Collection note: Loan from Holiday Rambler Corp. of Wakarusa, Indiana, and Dick Klinger.
Trace the evolution of the recreational vehicle through preserved vehicles and industry stories.
Explore the innovation, people, and ideas that helped shape manufactured housing.
Discover the Foundation’s research and preservation work across photographs, publications, and industry records.
Plan time to explore the museums, Hall of Fame, and preservation spaces on the Foundation campus.
