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Andrea previously served as Executive Assistant to the CEO’s Office at the National Corvette Museum, where she excelled in fostering strategic relationships and advancing organizational goals. Her transition into the Membership role demonstrates her exceptional ability to connect with Corvette enthusiasts and align initiatives with the Museum’s mission.

In her new role, Andrea will oversee all aspects of Membership, including communications, programs, and incentives. She will focus on expanding the Museum’s Membership base, welcoming new Members, and recognizing the contributions of longstanding supporters. Additionally, Andrea will collaborate with the Development, Marketing, Collections, and other departments to ensure Membership initiatives align seamlessly with the Museum’s strategic goals.

“It’s been a privilege to work with our Members and share in their passion for America’s Sports Car,” explained Andrea. “I’ve had the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals who make the Corvette community so unique. I’m excited to build on these relationships, expand our Membership and programs, and continue celebrating the legacy of the Corvette.”

Andrea’s extensive background includes serving as Executive Director of Bethesda International Academy, where she implemented strategic policies, secured grant funding, and cultivated a collaborative culture among stakeholders. Her entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set make her uniquely qualified to lead the Museum’s Membership program.

“Andrea’s impressive background, including her time as Executive Assistant to the CEO’s Office, has consistently shown her versatility and dedication to the Museum’s mission,” said Kaye Wagner, Chair, National Corvette Museum Board. “Her ability to engage Members, create value, and align Membership efforts with the Museum’s strategic vision is remarkable. I’m confident she will take our Membership program to new heights.”

As Director of Membership, Andrea will play a key role in advancing the Museum’s mission of educating global audiences on the evolution of the Corvette—America’s Sports Car—and fostering a strong, engaged community of Corvette enthusiasts.

Andrea’s appointment completes a robust leadership team, joining the recent appointments of Amy Hardin, Director of Development, and Andy Marcum, Director of Accounting. Together, the team is poised to drive the Museum forward as it approaches 2025, ensuring continued growth and innovation.

Andrea lives in Bowling Green, KY, with her husband Steve – a dedicated Museum volunteer and supporter as well –and their two children, Adeline and Theodore.

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Our services include installing paint protection film, ceramic coating, and additional protections like windshield protection and radiator guards. The process we have developed for Corvettes is unorthodox and one-of-a-kind, featuring packages specifically designed to meet the unique needs of these vehicles. Katelyn, also known as Kat, has been instrumental in our business, both as my wife and as the creator of the R8C pre-delivery program. This innovative program allows us to protect cars before their owners take delivery at the National Corvette Museum, a service born from our deep understanding of our client’s needs. Whether it is fulfilling a lifelong dream or protecting a newly purchased sports car, our goal is to ensure every Corvette receives the best possible protection.

In 2023, Kat and I experienced the joy of Corvette ownership firsthand. With the help of friends and a bit of luck, we secured an allocation for a 2023 70th Anniversary White Pearl Corvette Z06. We went through the same pre-delivery process as our clients, gaining invaluable insight into their experiences and reinforcing our commitment to excellence. Our journey with Auto Armor has been blessed with the support of our clients and friends. We proudly remain an owner-operated business, dedicated to the highest standards in everything we do. While perfection is unattainable, we strive to be unique and deliver exceptional quality in all our installations and materials. We drink the Kool-Aid with our clients, sharing their passion for these remarkable vehicles. Our commitment to providing peace of mind through superior protection continues to drive us, and we are grateful for the trust and support of our community as we move forward.

How to Schedule a Service Appointment with Auto Armor:

At Auto Armor, we have streamlined the process of getting your vehicle on our schedule.

Step One: Call us at 615-553-4015 and speak to our Corvette specialist who will discuss various service packages with you to determine the best fit for your vehicle. This personalized consultation ensures that your specific requirements are met. We are excited to tailor every detail to your needs. To simplify your decision-making, we can provide a detailed, personalized menu via email that highlights all our top-notch services.

Step Two: Once you have selected a package and received your tentative delivery date from the Museum, we will confirm your appointment and send you the necessary paperwork. This will include an email thread with the Museum to coordinate the timely arrival of your Corvette before its official delivery date.

Step Three: From this point forward, maintaining open communication is our top priority. Staying in touch with our clients via email at autoarmor@nomorenix.com for any questions, changes, or updates regarding your service. We are here to support you every step of the way and ensure a smooth and exceptional experience. As soon as we receive your vehicle, you will receive a “Proof of Life” video, which highlights your car in real-time and brings your dream of owning a protected Corvette closer to reality. Throughout the entire installation process, we will send you updated videos to keep you informed and excited about the progress of our work.

For alternative scheduling options, you may email us directly at autoarmor@nomorenix.com or visit us online at nomorenix.com for more information about our services and contact details.

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AS TOLD BY TOM PETERS 

My mother, Mary Beth Van Kirk, was born in 1927 in Independence, Missouri, as the youngest of five, with three brothers and a sister. Her teen years were during the Second World War, which her brothers all fought in. I did not know all her interests growing up, but she must have had a wonderful artistic vision. I came to realize that in her many endeavors, such as raising a family, painting, fashion, home décor, and maintenance, she was incredibly capable and creatively self-sufficient. Mom was much more adept with tools than Dad, which I attribute to her growing up with three brothers. This was infectious and certainly had a powerful influence on our family. She was always our biggest supporter and contributor whether it was school projects, tree forts, bikes, or the infamous downhill racers. 

Neighborhood kids would roll side by side down our hill on Hamilton Street in what we thought were death-defying races. The objective was to knock each other off the road before reaching the bottom. I had switched the TV to the latest episode of Route 66. Todd and Buzz just pulled onto the racetrack to view the new ‘Stanglini’ race car as the iconic Nelson Riddle theme played in the background. The open-wheeled screamer was impressive, and so was the name, as a car-crazy 10-year-old, I was inspired. Mom was always poised to help me and my four siblings with our crazy projects, like when I worked with old Radio Flyer parts, scrap lumber from nearby construction sites, and bike parts to construct a four-wheeled contraption that would become my next downhill racer. On one side of our racetrack was a concrete culvert, and on the other, a swampy ditch. After climbing from the wreckage, we packed mud on our wounds and headed back up the hill for another run. I am not sure Mom knew exactly what we were up to, but they were good times.

Growing up in Minnesota was a wonderful experience, with endless lakes and woods to explore, there was no shortage of adventures or projects for us to embark upon. My siblings all spun within unique orbits, but Mom was able to manage everyone without nannies or tutors, and no second car, seeing as my father traveled for weeks at a time for business. 

Most, if not all, car designers and engineers built model cars and airplanes when they were young, and I was no exception. I recall working on the dining room table, gluing and painting. Mom was okay with this if there was a newspaper underneath our work. Of course, I did spill occasionally, but she would respond with words of caution and tips for prevention. Mar, as we kids began to lovingly call her, seemed to understand our wide scope of interests during our teen years. I would collaborate with my buddies on engines, painted cars, and motorcycles in our carport! Her positive disposition gave me the confidence to explore. I think I can speak for my siblings when I say that she was always there for us growing up and throughout our adult lives. Amid the chaos, she handled everything with strong faith, elegance, and grace. 

I have always loved the building process and Mar was full of ideas and inspiration. I was blessed to have such an amazing person as my mother. I have experienced situations where friends’ parents dissuaded their kids from pursuing artistic endeavors, understandably fearful of them not making a good living as adults. However, I have always believed in pursuing one’s passions because of Mars’ influence. Good decisions, hard work, and a bit of luck, as my siblings and I have personally experienced, can lead to lives that are happy, successful, and rewarding.  

Our father passed away when I was twenty-one. As you would expect, this was a trying period, but it became clear that the most crucial element of our lives is family. Mom would tell us that we were the reason for her forging ahead through that challenging time. One of my fondest memories was after I was accepted to the Art Center College Design in California.  It was made apparent that I  would need a loan to get started at this expensive school. Being the single parent of five kids, she knew this was going to be a challenge. I recall her driving me to our neighborhood bank to take out a $10,000 student loan during the mid-1970s. This might as well have been a million dollars, but Mar did not hesitate as she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! She continued her support throughout my schooling and onto my amazing career with General Motors Design.  

My siblings and I had individual pursuits, but she energized us to succeed in our unique directions. Looking back, Mom was always ready to lace up hockey skates, shuttle us to little league games, mentor and challenge us throughout our lives. Mar, I could not have done it without you. I miss you so much and think of you every day. I am truly blessed to have you as my mother. You are worthy of having your own Nelson Riddle theme music.

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You can see the evolution of America’s Sports Car through the collection, preservation, and celebration of its legacy, and with offerings meant for two, including the heart-stopping virtual thrills in the Corvette Racing Simulator, to the 360-degree LED Screen that wraps around you as you enter the iconic Skydome, to exquisite tastes at the on-site restaurant, Stingray Grill.

The opportunity to share experiences alongside the iconic two-person sports car is guaranteed to remind you and your special someone that your passion can expand beyond conventional boundaries. Few cars in history have had such a widespread impact on lives across the country.  When you hear the name “Corvette” it is hard to find someone nearby who doesn’t have at least a distant connection to the longest-running nameplate in automotive history.  As you work your way through the beautiful exhibit spaces in the National Corvette Museum, you begin to understand how Corvette has captivated cultures from generation to generation.

The Corvette is an American icon in any decade, but it’s the Corvette’s community of connections that have sustained the public’s relationship with the car over time.  You can see the connection unfold into a full-blown sensation through our latest exhibit, An American Love Affair: 70 Years of Corvette.

A journey through the exhibit will connect Corvette’s relevance in society and pop culture over the past 70 years The Museum features a spectacular collection of Corvettes that represent the vehicle’s history, from the all-new, electrified 2024 Corvette E-Ray, to a National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) award-winning 1953 Corvette, serving as the perfect example of how the passion for Corvette began. Other iconic Corvettes and artifacts that highlight the love affair between America and Corvette are on display throughout the Museum, such as a collection of Corvette toys and models from the George Biederman Collection, Barbie Corvette toys, a Disneyland Autopia Car, and a display LT6 engine.

The unprecedented collection of award-winning Corvettes from all around the country set against the backdrop of the region’s first fully immersive, nearly 360-degree video wall, also known as the Skywall, permits guests to travel through time, experiencing the Heartbeat of America on the street and the ground-pounding sound of American thunder on the track.

An epic history requires epic treatment, and this is exactly what the new Skywall does, by transforming the interior of the iconic Skydome into a jaw-dropping continuous video moment that captures the energy, sight, sound, and experience of Corvette. The continuous screen envelops the guest with immersive video and a spectacular new sound system that makes the roar of the Corvette feel inches away. While Skywall’s first immersive experience expands on the love affair of the Corvette, the experience can be tailored to new exhibits and private rentals, making the Skydome a must-see for any romantic considering venues in the future.

After exploring the fascinating Museum, be sure to take a stroll down Corvette Boulevard, the main hall adorned with new Corvettes awaiting their delivery date.  You’ll not only get an up-close look at the thrill of a Museum Delivery, but you’ll also find the perfect lunch date to top off your tanks.  The Stingray Grill is located within the National Corvette Museum, and while reservations aren’t required, we’d recommend making one online after conveniently purchasing a ticket for the perfect date at the Museum.  The modern atmosphere of the exhibits leads to an elevated dining experience that is sure to impress anyone familiar with the Corvette aesthetic.   Take a bite out of famous specials like The Stingray Burger that made mouths water around the world when featured on Guy’s All American Road Trip on Food Network, paired perfectly with an expertly crafted cocktail.

The heartfelt hospitality found in the National Corvette Museum is just part of the reason that you may want to weave your Museum visit into a weekend adventure in Bowling Green, KY.  Planes and trains… cars and guitars… caves and waves… rails and trails… thrills and chills… charm and farms… We could keep going for days, and that’s just what it would take to see and do everything in the Bowling Green area. As the Home of the Corvette, we sure love our fast cars, but the city offers so much more that we think you will be surprised by how much is happening here.  You’ll find plenty of local amenities and attractions where the two of you can recharge in Kentucky’s third-largest city.

As the fastest-growing city in Kentucky, Bowling Green is the dining and shopping mecca for a dozen surrounding counties, and we’re brimming with locally owned restaurants and splurging (shopping!) options. Being centrally located on I-65, means we are just under an hour away from Nashville, TN.

As you consider the options for a romantic destination, we encourage you to think beyond the conventional idea of romance and dive into the vast world of Corvette as you experience the National Corvette Museum’s An American Love Affair: 70 Years of Corvette.

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The Igloo Experience, offered by the Stingray Grill makes the perfect place to take your out-of-town holiday guests, which is sure to impress.  Whether you’re looking for the local charm, world-class cars, or delicious offerings, you’ll find something for everyone with a reservation at the Stingray Grill.

The two adorable, decorated igloos are adorned with themed décor, Bluetooth speakers, and other cozy amenities like beautiful fireplaces.  Don’t let the Igloo fool you, these dining domes stay at a comfortable temperature for dining, drinking, and relaxing in luxury.   Whether you’re catching up with friends, entertaining holiday guests, or spending time with that Special Someone, you’ll have plenty of room to kick back, relax, and take in the beautiful sights around the Museum.   If you’re a full-blown foodie, you’ll love the NEW Igloo-inspired menu featuring tasty bites, crafted cocktails, and specialty entrees.  This limited menu is only available with the Igloo Dining Experience, make your reservation today to try the Limited menu!

Enhance your dining experience while enjoying everyday favorites from the Stingray Grill.  Savor the mouthwatering Stingray Burger, as seen on Guy’s All-American Road Trip on Food Network, or bite into the delightfully distinctive Blackberry Grilled Cheese, paired perfectly with a signature Stingray Grill drink.

Reservations are Recommended | Make your reservation easily online:

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/stingraygrill/#igloo-experience

See the Regular Menu with everyday favorites:

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/stingraygrill/#menu

See the Igloo Inspired Specials:

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/stingraygrill/#december-menu

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In many of the photos you might have found in your earlier internet search, you will see Zora strapping on what we believe is this helmet. Zora would wear it during races, and later at testing sessions where he pushed the limits of his own forefront technology.

He retired in 1975 but would don this helmet again on June 5, 1992. This time he’d get behind the wheel of a bulldozer instead of a racecar, to ceremoniously break ground for the National Corvette Museum. Wearing his helmet, his racing jacket, and a wide smile, he drove the bulldozer shovel (with a Corvette cutout attached to the side), into the earth.

He loved the thought of there being a museum to celebrate the Corvette so much that he’d return for the grand opening on September 2, 1994. When Zora passed in 1996, he wanted his ashes to be at the Museum as well, with the cars and the people he loved.

Before his passing, though, he decided that this beat-up yellow helmet that he had made so much history wearing belonged in the collection of the National Corvette Museum. He donated the helmet, his goggles, and his racing jacket to the Museum so that one day we could share them with you.

As we approach the 70th Anniversary of the Corvette this June, we’d like to present this artifact for your enjoyment. It symbolizes the love that Zora had for enthusiasts, for racing, for the Museum, and for the Chevrolet Corvette.

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As you begin your journey through the Museum, become immersed in the history and culture of the Corvette’s invention. Yes, you may see other brands of cars, like the Ford Thunderbird, however, take a moment and read why. Explore the E. Pierce Marshall Memorial Performance Gallery, and see record-setting Corvettes, like the one Corvette Hall of Famer, Tommy Morrison crushed the 24-hour endurance record in!

One of our newest exhibits, Driven by Design, spotlights the creativity and process of how the Corvette is designed. Interactive elements make this exhibit fun for all ages. Enter through the Skydome and be amazed by unique vehicles including the 1 Millionth Corvette, the one and only 1983, and more! For a limited time, see Custom CARisma, an exhibit highlighting the legendary creations of custom car builder, Carl Casper. Don’t forget to commemorate your visit by shopping in the Corvette Store!

Feeling hungry? Grab a bite to eat at the Stingray Grill! The upscale menu features everything from daily specials to delicious burgers, salads, sandwiches, and the popular blackberry grilled cheese! Your taste buds will thank you for treating yourself to this lunch!

Weather permitting, take your family and friends to the NCM Motorsports Park for a thrilling experience! Go Kart racing is perfect for those who are competitive at heart. You could even drive a Corvette or Camaro around the 3.2-mile track! Hot Laps give you the experience of riding with one of our professional drivers. Prepare yourself—this is a thrilling ride that will literally have you thrown back into your seat!

Our 90-minute GM Assembly Plant tour is for those 13 and older. You do not have to be a gearhead to enjoy the 1.5 miles of assembly, but you can enjoy cutting-edge technology paired with the tradition of fine craftsmanship. Tours are limited to 15 guests per slot, and reservations are strongly encouraged.

While in Bowling Green, explore the rest of the area. Bowling Green is home to the Historic Railpark, Beech Bend Raceway and Amusement Park, Lost River Cave, Aviation Heritage Park, Riverview at Hobson Grove Historic House Museum, and the Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum. Take the family to Chaney’s Dairy Barn for delicious ice cream, or explore Jackson’s Orchard for a beautiful day out. Baseball fan? Check out the Bowling Green Hot Rods schedule to catch a game right in the heart of downtown—and there is no more beautiful place to relax after a fun day than Fountain Square Park.

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