By David Breimhurst | Photography courtesy of the Classic Motor Museum
We’ve all said it at one time or another: “Been there—done that.” But, it’s a phrase that doesn’t hold true for visitors to the Classic Motor Museum of St. Michaels. That’s because the newest museum on the Eastern Shore will always have something fresh for return visitors, thanks to a rotating collection. Rare and exotic antique vehicles will come and go on a regular basis, making each visit a unique experience.
The museum’s mission is to pay homage to America’s love affair with the automobile and the lure of the open road by presenting fine examples of the vehicles that have thrilled and served us over the decades. Vehicles range from a 1910 International Harvester pickup truck to muscle cars of the ’60s. There’s even a 1931 American LaFrance fire truck that kids and their parents will be able to climb aboard and explore.
The concept of the museum emerged five years ago, and, thanks to the hard work of dozens of volunteers and generous donors, it is poised to become a substantial contributor to the tourism economy of the Eastern Shore. It’s the only museum of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region between Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Even before its doors were ready to open, it was attracting attention from antique automobile enthusiasts who’ve been flocking, with their prized classics, to the Cars and Coffee event on the museum grounds on Saturday mornings.
Car clubs have also put it on their “must-see” list of destinations. And one car club is already taking an active hand in aiding one of the museum’s primary missions. Members of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Vintage Motor Car Club of America have funded scholarships for young people participating in the museum’s First Gear education program. Museum President Tad duPont says, “We are hoping the museum will fill an educational gap for our young people. They have few career training opportunities, and we aim to change that.”
Visitors will also be getting an education as they roam the exhibit barn and peruse the museum’s collection of automotive literature and memorabilia.
The Classic Motor Museum will be open Thursday through Sunday. But try to get there on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. for Cars and Coffee. You’ll be able to wander through a parking lot full of show stopping classics, and their proud owners are eager to share the stories of their prized vehicles.
More information can be found on the museum's website classicmotormuseum.org.
