NEW HAVEN, Ind. – An effort is underway in Indiana to raise $12 million for building what’s described as a world-class museum primarily for trucks and tractors made by International Harvester.

The structure would contain 30,000-square-feet of space and go up in New Haven just outside Fort Wayne.

That area in the northeast part of the state was once known as the capital for the International Harvester brand, considering the number of trucks, tractors and other agriculture equipment manufactured there for decades.

Construction and lawn and garden equipment were among the other products made by the company, once credited with providing up to 30 percent of the jobs in the Fort Wayne area.

In the 1980s, all divisions of the firm were sold off except for International Trucks, which changed its parent company name to Navistar International.

“We are setting our sites high and truly believe this facility can serve as the world museum for the International Harvester and Navistar brand,” said Shawn Norris, director of operations for Harvester Homecoming.

Last year, Harvester Homecoming, an organization hosting festivals and other International Harvester-related events, opened a much smaller museum inside what used to be the main office for the company in Fort Wayne.

The vision for the new museum includes providing space for original drawings of the vehicles and educating youth about the history and impact manufacturers such as International Harvester had on the area.

Norris said it can also be a place for teaching students about innovation and the role that product creativity played in manufacturing then and still today.

“This museum will be more than just a tribute to the past. It will be a beacon of the region’s rich manufacturing and engineering heritage,” she said.

The museum was also hailed as a “cultural anchor” for the soon-to-be-developed “Fields of Grace” youth sports complex by New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael.

McMichael said the massive sports complex and museum will likely become major destinations with the museum, along with nearby hotels and restaurants.

The sports complex alone is projected to draw 1 million people a year, producing a $30 million annual economic impact.

“This development will transform the landscape of New Haven, Indiana, into a vibrant hub of activity, economic growth and enhance the quality of life,” said Pone Vongphachanh, community and economic development director for the city.

McMichael also touted the museum’s visibility and much easier access on Minnich Road because of its location between two exits along Interstate 469.

The current, much smaller museum is in a less visible, more difficult to reach inner city location.

He said the city has strived for a youth sports complex for a long time but adding to the grounds a world class facility showcasing International Harvest products is icing on the cake.

“This is a dream come true in many different ways,” he said.

McMichael said ground-breaking for the sports complex will occur at some point within the next few months with completion in 2026.

The start of construction for the museum will hinge on the success of the fundraising drive. 

McMichael said financial support for the museum will be sought from the city’s redevelopment commission and other potential sources like the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

Monetary contributions will also be solicited from the private sector, individuals and raised from the sale of merchandise like t-shirts along with special events.

“We’re ready to fire up our engines and get going on this amazing facility and we hope everyone will join us for this ride,” Norris said.