DETROIT, Oct. 14, 2026 – MotorCities National Heritage Area recognized the people and organizations preserving Michigan’s automotive and labor heritage during its 2026 Awards of Excellence Luncheon and Michigan Auto Heritage Day in Livonia.
The annual event celebrated outstanding contributions to automotive heritage tourism, education and interpretation. This year’s honorees included the Pontiac Transportation Museum, Merze Tate Explorers and Nancy Thompson, who received the 2026 Milestone Award.
“Michigan’s automotive heritage is about more than the vehicles that transformed transportation. It is also about the people, communities and organizations whose work keeps these stories alive,” said Shawn Pomaville-Size, executive director of MotorCities National Heritage Area. “This year’s award recipients reflect the importance of sharing that history with future generations.”
The Pontiac Transportation Museum received the Heritage Tourism Award of Excellence, presented by the GM Heritage Center and Archive, for its Pontiac 100th Anniversary celebration. The recognition highlights the museum’s work celebrating a century of Pontiac automotive history and its enduring connection to the city and surrounding region.
The Education/Interpretation Award of Excellence, presented by the International Union of United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), went to Merze Tate Explorers for its program, “Driving into History: Black Women, Cars, and Courage.” On display at the Gilmore Car Museum, the project brings greater awareness to the contributions and experiences of Black women in automotive history.
Nancy Thompson received the 2026 Milestone Award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to MotorCities and its mission to preserve, interpret and promote Michigan’s automotive and labor heritage. Her involvement began before MotorCities received its official designation in 1998. Since then, she has contributed to community outreach, education, heritage planning, grant writing and organizational leadership.
The luncheon included a video of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer observing Michigan Auto Heritage Day and a copy of her Proclamation was available. Additionally, Michigan State Rep. Brenda Carter presented a Tribute on behalf of Leader and Auto Caucus Co-Chair Ranjeev Puri and signed by her and several bipartisan colleagues in the House of Representatives, in commemoration of October 1, 2026, as Michigan Auto Heritage Day.
The recognition underscored the significance of Michigan’s automotive legacy beyond the vehicles themselves. The state’s history is also shaped by the workers, innovators, communities and families whose contributions helped transform Michigan and influence the world.
The Awards of Excellence Luncheon and Michigan Auto Heritage Day brought together automotive enthusiasts, historians, community leaders, industry representatives and heritage advocates to celebrate the people and places that shaped Michigan’s automotive story. The event also offered attendees an opportunity to experience a private collection featuring vehicles and artifacts connected to automotive, music and movie history.
The following sponsors helped make the 2026 event possible:
Presenting sponsors were the International Union of United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), Mel’s Garage, GM Heritage Center and Ford House.
Patron sponsors were Visit Detroit, Don Nicholson Enterprises and Gilmore Car Museum.
Supporting sponsors were Analyze Accounting, Doeren Mayhew, Grigg Graphic Services Inc., Choose Lansing and J & S Portrait America.
Event sponsors were Merze Tate Explorers, MichAuto and Mark Thomas, who sponsored the event in honor of Nancy Thompson’s three decades of service.
Through its Awards of Excellence program, MotorCities continue to recognize the people and organizations that preserve Michigan’s automotive and labor heritage through tourism, education, interpretation and community engagement.
About MotorCities NHA:
Established in 1998 and headquartered in Detroit, the MotorCities National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the National Park Service that serves 16 counties representing a population of over 6.5 million. Its mission is to preserve, interpret and promote the region’s rich automotive and labor heritage. Regional programs inspire residents and visitors with an appreciation for how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about the organization, visit www.motorcities.org or follow their Facebook and LinkedIn pages at www.facebook.com/motorcities and www.linkedin.com/company/motorcities-national-heritage-area
MEDIA CONTACT:
LaTrisha Jackson
MotorCities National Heritage Area
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