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 historic RVs, manufactured homes, objects, photographs, publications, and archival records that preserve two connected industries and their influence on American travel, housing, design, manufacturing, and everyday life.
The Foundation preserves distinct but connected collections for the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries. RV Founders Hall interprets the evolution of recreational travel through historic vehicles and related artifacts. The Scoular Manufactured Housing Museum preserves real homes and interpretation documenting changes in factory-built housing, construction, regulation, design, and residential life. The Kindlund Library & Archives safeguards the documentary record behind both stories. This page presents selected collection highlights while the complete historical inventory continues to be 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.
