David L. Madeira, Vice Chairman of America’s Automotive Trust announced today that the organization is distinguishing John D. Barline with the 2019 President’s Award for Outstanding Service to LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM).
The President’s Award recognizes a member of the automotive community that has made significant contributions to the Museum’s success as the home of the LeMay Collection and nation’s largest automotive museum. Barline was instrumental in establishing ACM, securing land agreements with the city of Tacoma, handling disputes, planning a capital campaign, and helping secure the New Market Tax Credit Financing agreement.
“What a wonderful and totally unexpected honor to receive the ACM President’s Award. It truly means a lot to me since it was Harold who got me involved at the very beginning,” said Barline. “So, I really have to thank my good friends, Harold and Nancy LeMay for this—Thank you Harold and thank you Nancy!
“I vividly recall back in the ’90s having many long meetings centered around how to keep Harold’s car collection together, the creation of the Museum, his purchase of Marymount, the city’s desire for a location next to the Tacoma Dome, the first nonfamily board of directors, and so forth.”
Barline’s name will be placed permanently on a plaque outside the administrative offices at ACM with other recipients from past years. The award will be conferred prior to the Wheels & Heels Annual Gala on September 7 at ACM.
“Each year we make the presentation of the President’s Award to honor those that have taken large who have made outstanding contributions to the success of America’s Car Museum,” said Madeira. “John has been an important partner in many ways, providing us with wise legal and strategic counsel and strong leadership as Board Chairman when we launched the drive to build the Museum. We are thrilled to be able to present him with this honor, forever recognizing his many, significant contributions to LeMay – America’s Car Museum.”
The groundbreaking at America’s Car Museum took place in 2010, followed by its grand opening in summer 2012. The 4-story, 165,000 sq.-ft. Museum is the largest auto museum in North America and houses over 300 vehicles. Funding for the massive complex took part over nearly a decade with the help of Barline, Madeira and many others.
Barline added: “There are lots of memories, but of special meaning was the hiring of one David Madeira to be our first true museum director. He became our fearless leader, raised big dollars, created a hard working national board, and got the museum built and running. What a spectacular and special place Tacoma now has, the LeMay – America’s Car Museum! Thank you David and thanks to our tireless board of directors. It’s been a long road and although quite challenging at times, it has been fun and most definitely worthwhile!”
For more information on AAT, visit www.aat.org.
About America’s Automotive Trust (www.aat.org)
America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to secure America’s automotive heritage and to transfer the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of collector vehicles and the enthusiast community for generations to come. AAT is made up of four founding members: LeMay – America’s Car Museum, the RPM Foundation, Club Auto and the Concours Club.
About LeMay – America’s Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org)
America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10
Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual
Signature Events.
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