Daryll Milnikel, president of the RV/MH Hall of Fame, is overseeing plans to expand the organization’s historical exhibits and strengthen industry partnerships as the nonprofit develops a long-term strategy for preserving the histories of the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries.
Milnikel, who has held the position for a year and a half, said the organization is in a strong financial position and is preparing improvements to its museum exhibits and historical storytelling initiatives in collaboration with industry companies and its board of directors.
“Our finances are in a really strong place. We’re not just keeping the lights on; we’re planning improvements to our stories and our exhibits,” Milnikel said. “We’re partnering with companies throughout the industry on how we can tell their story and their unique lineage.”
The organization is developing a long-term roadmap with its board and museum team to expand the stories featured at the Hall of Fame and reach a broader audience.
Milnikel also plans to continue the organization’s relationship with the RV Industry Association (RVIA), which includes hosting industry events, seminars and training sessions. Future initiatives include guided museum tours for groups of RVIA member companies.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame, operated by the RV/MH Heritage Foundation, encompasses a museum, library and Northern Indiana Event Center. Its operations include historical preservation, industry events and educational activities.
As president, Milnikel oversees daily operations, financial planning and event strategy. His responsibilities include working with the board on long-term financial strategies, coordinating maintenance of the organization’s 40-acre campus and overseeing major industry events.
The organization’s annual activities include the weeklong Elkhart RV Dealer Open House, which attracts 5,000 attendees to the campus, and events involving RV and manufactured housing companies and industry associations. Its small staff comprises six full-time employees.
His interest in the Hall of Fame developed from its mission to preserve the contributions of individuals and companies in the two industries.
“There are so many Americans and families who put food on the table because of these two industries,” Milnikel said in a News and Insights report of RVIA. “To champion and share that story—about these great vehicles, and companies, but also about the individuals who worked together to create them— really fascinated me and drew me in.”
The Hall of Fame also recently collaborated with RVIA to open its museum for a USA Today documentary highlighting the RV industry in connection with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
