Kettering University’s Archives, in collaboration with the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), has awarded its first-ever Travel-to-Collections Grant to Dr. Jennifer Eaglin, an Associate Professor at the Ohio State University. This competitive grant, funded by SAH, supports scholars conducting in-depth research using Kettering’s extensive archives on automotive history.
Dr. Eaglin’s project, Auto Americas: A Hemispheric History of the Automobile, received top marks from the selection committee. Her research explores how automotive dependence — particularly through cars, buses, and trucks — has shaped a uniquely American identity across North, South, and Central America from the 1950s to the present. The Kettering University Archives, home to significant collections on automotive innovation and industry history, will provide valuable primary sources for her work.
“We are thrilled to support Dr. Eaglin’s research and to see Kettering’s archives contribute to groundbreaking scholarship in automotive history,” said Dina Mein, Ph.D., University Librarian at Kettering University. “By offering this grant, we are not only aiding researchers but also strengthening Kettering’s role as a hub for innovation and historical study.”
The Kettering University Archives are housed at GM’s Durant-Dort Factory One, a National Historic Landmark widely recognized as the birthplace of General Motors. The factory, originally home to the Durant-Dort Carriage Company, played a pivotal role in the early automotive industry. Today, it stands as a center for historical preservation and research, making it an ideal location for scholars studying the evolution of transportation and industry.
Kettering’s Archives contain three major collections focusing on the history of Kettering University, the City of Flint, and American automotive history, including rare documents from General Motors and other key industry players. The grant is designed to assist researchers who may not have the resources to travel to Flint to explore these unique materials in person.
The Travel-to-Collections Grant is made possible through Kettering’s partnership with SAH, an international organization of automotive historians that includes university faculty, museum curators, and dedicated enthusiasts. This collaboration underscores Kettering’s commitment to advancing automotive research and fostering connections with scholars worldwide.
As part of the grant, Dr. Eaglin will visit the archive in Factory One in June 2025 to conduct her research. She will present her findings in a special lecture open to students, faculty, and the broader automotive history community.
“The work of researchers like Dr. Eaglin brings our historical materials to life,” Mein added. “When scholars write books and articles based on our collections, it highlights the importance of preserving and studying automotive history.”
For more information about Kettering University’s Archives and research opportunities, visit www.kettering.edu/library.
