Museum's 5th annual Speaker Series Highlights Variety of Topics

Did you know that Henry Ford had experimented with what many consider an “oddball” X-8 engine layout to replace the simple 4-cylinder Model T? Or that Walt Disney had a connection to Kalamazoo and the early development of the Gilmore Car Museum? Have you ever heard or even experienced some of the surprising yet true tales surrounding the muscle cars of the 1960s and 70s? During the 2018 Lecture Series at the Gilmore Car Museum, you’ll discover fascinating stories and little-known facts from each of these and more. The sixteen-week series is open to the public and covers a variety of intriguing topics. “We have brought together a fine group of historians, scholars, and authors—all experts in their respective fields,” explains Fred Colgren, Education Director at the Museum. “There’s certain to be something of interest for everyone.” Each of the Sunday afternoon presentations begin at 3 pm and are only $5 per person, or free with regular Museum admission. The lectures are appropriate for all ages and walk-ins are welcome as no registration is required. This year’s series began January 7^th with “Welcome to 1917”—a multi-media overview of life in the area 100 years ago presented by Ruth Wilson of the Kalamazoo Public Library. Popular speaker and historian Don LaCombe (pictured right) returns on January 21^st to present “Henry Ford’s X Engine - Replacing the Model T.” Mr. LaCombe spent 36 years in Product Development at Ford Motor Company and is now affiliated with Detroit’s Ford Piquette Plant Museum, the birthplace of the Model T. He will discuss how Henry Ford had experimented with a very unique 8- engine where the cylinders were in an “X” configuration, and his secret five-year race against Charles Kettering, head of GM Research, in the development of a low-cost automobile. “We are very excited and honored to offer such a distinguished group of speakers and wide-ranging topics for this year’s Speaker Series,” said Chris Shires, Gilmore Car Museum Executive Director. The remainder of the series consists of several noted historians and authors, with topics as diverse as sand dune rides in Michigan, Le Mans racing, and vintage gas stations to Abe Lincoln and Walt Disney. On February 4^th guests are even asked to become part of the program as they join photo journalist John Lacko and present 3 to 5 minutes of their “Muscle Car Memories.” If guests have a vintage snap-shot and would like to share them with their recollections, they are asked to save them to a blank USB thumb drive so they can easily be found and projected during the presentation. The 2018 Speaker Series continues for several consecutive Sundays, always beginning at 3pm sharp, in the Gilmore Car Museum’s Heritage Center. This year’s exciting lineup includes: January 21, 2018 Henry Ford’s X Engine: Replacing the Model T Don LaCombe, Automotive Historian January 28, 2018 Can-Am 50th Anniversary: The Best Stories and Photos George Levy, Author February 4, 2018 Your Muscle Car Memories John Lacko, Racing Aficionado and Photo Journalist February 11, 2018 The Relevance of Abraham Lincoln Cameron Brown, Former State Senator February 18, 2018 Automotive Lubrication Testing Lecture and Seminar David E. Persell, Ph.D February 25, 2018 Art, Architecture, and the Automobile David O. Lyon, Author and Historian March 4, 2018 Sir William and Jaguar: From Swallow Sidecars to Victory at Le Mans Mike Erspamer, Jaguar Historian March 11, 2018 Walt’s Pilgrimage: The Walt Disney Story with a Gilmore Connection Christopher W. Tremblay, Author and Disney Historian March 18, 2018 Slot Cars and the Kalamazoo Connection John Lacko, Racing Aficionado and Photo Journalist March 25, 2018 Running On Empty: Abandoned Gas Stations in America Susan Johnston, Photographer April 8, 2018 100th Anniversary: Colonel Joseph Westnedge and World War I Tom George, Historian April 15, 2018 Riding Across the Sands of Time: Dune Rides, Dune Scooters, Dune Schooners, Dunesmobiles, and Dune Buggies Christine Byron and Thomas R. Wilson, Historians and Authors April 22, 2018 The History of Speedway Design and Construction Van Walling, Historian April 29, 2018 The History and Evolution of the Country’s Most Unique Aviation Museum: The Air Zoo Bob Ellis, Founding Air Zoo CEO/Director Whether your interest is in vintage auto racing, roadside attractions, local history or just the unknown, you’re sure to find the 2018 Gilmore Speaker Series engaging, entertaining, and informative for the entire family. The Gilmore Car Museum— North America’s Largest Auto Museum—is located just 20 minutes north of Kalamazoo or 45 minutes south of Grand Rapids. For learn more about the 2018 Gilmore Speaker Series or other events, please visit www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call (269) 671-5089. # # #