Between 1963 and 1966, Studebaker exclusively produced automobiles in Hamilton, Ontario following the closures of their South Bend, Indiana assembly plant. It was the end of the line for a once prominent American auto manufacturer with its final years spent in Canada. Join Andrew Beckman from the Studebaker National Museum and Richard Barlas from the City of Hamilton Museums as they explore Studebaker's Canadian connections. 

This online talk will take place over Zoom and is part of the Canadian Automotive Museum's Third Thursday lecture series. These online talks are free and open to the public, but registration is required. The Canadian Automotive Museum is a registered Canadian charity and a suggested donation of $10 goes toward covering the cost of hosting these virtual events. Donors who make an annual contribution of over $25 will receive a charitable tax receipt. 

About our speakers:

Andrew Beckman is the Archivist of the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana. Beckman grew up in a family of Studebaker owners, and drives a 1964 Studebaker Daytona Hardtop. He previously worked at the Sheboygan County Historical Society and Wade House State Historic Site. He’s authored two books: The Studebaker National Museum: Over a Century on Wheels, and Studebaker’s Last Dance: The Avanti. In addition to his work at the museum, he also served as President of the Society of Automotive Historians.

Richard Barlas is the Civic Curator with the City of Hamilton, Tourism and Culture Division. Previous to this he was the Curator of the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology and before that the Collections Manager for the Hamilton Civic Museum system. Richard began his career with Parks Canada in 1993 and has worked for Heritage Mississauga, King Township and the City of Hamilton.