Our Museum Project

Dream becomes reality! The Shelby Cycle Historical Society has received a grant to create the Shelby Bicycle Museum on the grounds of the original Shelby Cycle factory.  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 which will tell the history of several bicycle companies that made Shelby home, as well as the other factories that were housed in the building before the bicycle factory, and the seamless tube industry that started the boom. The display is tied to this website through QR codes, where visitors can find additional information.

The museum will be functional by May 2021 for RichHistory weekend, a self-guided driving tour of Richland County’s museums and other places of interest. In July 2021 during Shelby Bicycle Days, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Shelby Cycle Frame Builders, which became the Shelby Cycle Company.

We thank Shelby Mayor Steven Schag, Police Chief Lance Combs and Judge Sheree Studer   for allowing the use of the lobby 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.