Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas

The Museum of Automobiles was reopened by ten men, all Arkansans and antique car buffs (the museum had closed in 1975 following the 1973 death of Winthrop Rockefeller, who had opened the museum in 1964); ten days later, they formed a nonprofit organization that leased the building from the State of Arkansas. This group became the board of directors, which manages the museum. Members of surrounding antique car clubs lent thirty-three of their fine cars for a new collection to exhibit at the museum. Herman “Buddy” Hoelzeman, who had previously served as director of the museum under Rockefeller, was again appointed director.