For Todd Kelley, being a volunteer at LeMay Collections at Marymount is a thrill. Kelley read about the museum and saw a photo of a man waxing a vintage car. “I want to do that,” he was certain. That was in 2008 when he signed up to volunteer. He never stopped.
Kelley’s extended tenure at the museum opened an array of opportunities including being a docent, driving cars in parades, being a Ford Model T driver’s education instructor and emceeing at LeMay fundraisers. He has been a LeMay ambassador at national and international car conventions, where he feels both honored and delighted. Kelley co-hosts the podcast “LeMayZing!” with Eric LeMay, grandson in the LeMay family and founding director of the Harold E. LeMay Museum in Tacoma.
Todd considers himself a classic car fanatic, making the LeMay museum a perfect place to spread his enthusiasm. His current classic is a 1966 Porsche 912. He fondly remembers one of his earliest cars while in high school, a white 1978 Pontiac Firebird. During the week, Kelley works at Boeing in corporate communications. After his two daughters grew up, he and his wife, Suzanne, right-sized to a condo. That means no more yard work. You’ll find Todd at LeMay’s most Saturdays.
The museum showcases the legacy of LeMay’s vast, privately-held automobile collection on the historic grounds of the former Marymount Military Academy. Featuring over 500 vintage American cars, trucks, motorcycles and buses, alongside memorabilia like gas pumps, dolls and historical items, there’s plenty to do.
Kelley wants visitors to know that weekends are usually when the Model T drivers can give you a lift around the property. For a fuller experience, sign up for a day-long experience to learn to drive yourself around the property, some 90 acres. “It’s unlike any other car,” promises Kelley.
The LeMay Collection is family-owned and open to the public. “Everything out there is a blast!” Kelley says. The property holds private events and weddings are popular in the chapel. For a full list of events and activities or if you are ready to become a volunteer, go to the website.
For Additional Information
LeMay Collections at Marymount
lemaymarymount.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS