Welcome, wanderers, history enthusiasts, and curious minds! As your resident museum docent here in Elkhart, Indiana, the undisputed RV Capital of the World, I have the distinct pleasure of welcoming you into the captivating world of mobile living. If you have ever marveled at the open highway from the comfort of a motorhome or appreciated the ingenuity behind modern manufactured housing, you are standing on sacred ground.
Today, we are taking a leisurely stroll through the rich legacy preserved by the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, exploring the milestones that shaped an industry, and tipping our hats to the visionaries who made it all possible. Grab a comfortable seat, perhaps a cup of coffee, and let’s explore how the wheels of innovation turned the American dream into reality.
Preserving the Past: The Heartbeat of the Foundation
Long before GPS coordinates and glamping hashtags graced our feeds, pioneers of mobile living were inventing ways to take home on the road. Founded as a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the RV/MH Heritage Foundation exists to chronicle, preserve, and celebrate the incredible history of both the Recreational Vehicle and Manufactured Housing industries.
Through our three core segments, the Foundation itself, the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum, and the Northern Indiana Event Center, we serve as the ultimate guardian of mobile heritage. Take a moment to browse our About Us page to discover the deep roots of our nonprofit mission.
We aren’t just storing old metal and fiberglass; we are safeguarding the stories of human ingenuity, freedom, and perseverance. Every exhibit tells a tale of ordinary individuals who dared to imagine a more mobile, flexible lifestyle.
Walking Through History: Iconic Treasures in Founders Hall
Step inside Founders Hall, and you will instantly feel as though you’ve stepped into a time machine. Our museum collection is nothing short of breathtaking, housing vintage gems that chronicle the evolution of design, aerodynamics, and domestic comfort.
Here are a few crown jewels you simply cannot miss during your walkabout:
- The 1913 Earl Travel Trailer: Recognized as the oldest known travel trailer in existence. It’s a remarkable piece of carpentry and engineering that proves wanderlust is well over a century old.
- Mae West’s 1931 Chevrolet Housecar: Dripping with vintage glamour, this luxurious coach allowed Hollywood royalty to travel in style and supreme comfort.
- The Oldest Winnebago: A nostalgic nod to the golden era of family road trips.
- The Smallest Airstream: Demonstrating that great things truly do come in small, aluminum packages.
To plan your visual journey ahead of time, feel free to explore our RV Founders Hall exhibits.
Celebrating Excellence: The Prestigious Hall of Fame
An industry is only as great as the people who build it. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than 480 extraordinary leaders, honoring the trailblazers, dealers, suppliers, and community owners who transformed recreational travel and manufactured housing into economic powerhouses.
The 2026 Class of Inductees
We are immensely proud to spotlight the 2026 Class of Inductees, individuals whose dedication, leadership, and visionary spirit continue to inspire us all:
RV Industry Inductees:
- Bob Been – Esteemed dealer and founder of Affinity RV (Blue Compass RV) in Prescott, Arizona.
- Brian Brady – Influential OEM executive with Heartland RV in Elkhart, Indiana.
- Dr. Richard Curtin – Respected economic advisor and researcher with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Garry Enyart – Dedicated industry supplier and former Cummins executive from Maple Grove, Minnesota.
- Bill Scheffer – Steadfast association leader with MMHRVCA/MARVAC in Michigan.
Manufactured Housing Industry Inductees:
- Evan Atkinson – Veteran dealer representing Adventure Homes and Clayton Homes of Frazeysburg, Ohio.
- James Breen – Prominent manufactured housing dealer with Factory Expo Homes in Chandler, Arizona.
- Steve Case – Accomplished community owner and investor with Flying Storage Group in Byron, Georgia.
- James George Joffe – Property management expert with J&H Management and Home Quest in Garden Grove, California.
- Robert Young – Visionary community owner with the Blair Group in Healdsburg, California.
Read the official announcement and learn more about their remarkable contributions by visiting our 2026 Class of Inductees page.
Where History Meets Modern Gatherings: The Northern Indiana Event Center
While our museums celebrate the past, the Northern Indiana Event Center is where today’s community comes alive. Offering a staggering 100,000 square feet of versatile event space, our facility is the premier destination in the region for major conventions, trade shows, private celebrations, and local gatherings.
Whether you are hosting an industrial supplier show or an elegant gala, our facility provides the scale and flexibility you need.
- Planning an event? Please note that in-house AV support is limited, so we highly recommend partnering with our preferred professional vendors, specifically EA Pro Music, to ensure your sound and lighting hit all the right notes.
Plan Your Visit & Essential Travel Tips
Are you ready to experience the magic of Elkhart in person? We would love to welcome you through our doors. Before you hitch up your trailer and set your navigation, keep these helpful operational pointers in mind:
- Overnight Boondocking: We are delighted to welcome travelers! Overnight boondocking for museum guests is available, but please note that it is limited to 2 nights unless pre-arranged.
- Check for Blackout Dates: Our event calendar is vibrant and busy. Always check our official website for blackout dates before finalizing your travel itinerary to ensure full museum access.
Step into living history today by exploring the RV/MH Heritage Foundation website to plan your tour, check upcoming event dates, or make a tax-deductible donation to support our ongoing preservation efforts.
We look forward to sharing our passion with you on your next adventure!