Shelby Cycle Museum Opens July 7

Dream becomes reality! The Shelby Bicycle Museum will open to the public July 9, 2022 on the grounds of the original Shelby Cycle factory, now the Shelby Justice Center on Mack Avenue. The unique interactive museum will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2022 also marks the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the start of the Shelby Cycle Frame Builders, which became the Shelby Cycle Company.

Shelby bicycle collector Stan Cain and Shelby Police Chief Lance Combs envisioned a bicycle museum which would be open anytime for families to bring children and out-of-town guests; hIstorian Christina Yetzer Drain, provided the research about the bicycle companies as well as the factories that were housed in the building before the cycle factory; and Seltzer descendant Scott Moehring who brought the history to life through his designs. A score of volunteers helped in the construction.

The Shelby Cycle Historical Society received a grant from Ohio Humanities to create the interactive museum in the Shelby Justice Center. The $29,000 grant includes more than $10,000 of volunteer research time, as well as $5,000 to purchase a display case, bicycle racks, and interpretive panels and murals. The display is tied to this website through QR codes, where visitors can find additional information.

We thank Shelby Mayor Steven Schag, Police Chief Lance Combs and Judge Sheree Studer for allowing the use of the lobby and halls of the Justice Center.  The lobby will be open 24/7 with the security we require to house an exhibit at minimal cost. We are very excited about the project because hopefully it will pave the way to a more permanent exhibit.

How can you help?

• Join us in the planning process. Even if you aren’t living close by, you can still participate. Contact us at shelbycyclehistory@gmail.com

• Make a cash donation. The grant pays for most of the project, but there is a small cash match we need to raise. Please consider an additional donation as you join or renew your membership.

• Loan or donate items to the museum. Loaned items can be returned at any time. Donations may be tax deductible as we are a 501(c)3. Anything that illustrates the history of the bicycle companies is acceptable.

Thank you for your interest in Shelby bicycles and in preserving the memory of a vital part of Shelby’s history.