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Dan Gale
1943 - 2000

Dan Gale passed away October 4th from complications from a stroke suffered on September 22, 2000.

The mention of his name to almost any Corvette enthusiast immediately brings one to think of the National Corvette Museum and Dan's role in making the Museum a reality. That contribution included:

  • Charter Member of the National Corvette Restorers Society Library, Archives and Museum Committee dating back to 1986.
  • Charter Member of the Board of Directors of The National Corvette Restorers Society Foundation when it was founded in 1989. The name was later changed to The National Corvette Museum Foundation.
  • Elected President of the NCM Foundation Board of Directors in 1990 and oversaw the opening of the National Corvette Museum Annex.
  • National leadership role in the Capital Campaign that started in the fall of 1991.
  • Moved to Bowling Green on semi-permanent basis in March of 1992 for more hands on involvement with fundraising and securing financing for the Museum.
  • Oversaw construction of the building and displays that began in 1993.
  • Coordinated the Grand Opening of the Museum in 1994.
  • Served as Executive Director of the Museum in 1994 and 1995.
  • Continued service as a member of the Board of the NCM Foundation to 1997.

Dan had a deep love for the National Corvette Museum. While other Corvette enthusiasts were involved in the concept of a library, archives and museum; it was Dan's enthusiasm, creativity, work ethic, determination, resourcefulness, untiring efforts and plainspoken style that turned an idea into a crusade into The National Corvette Museum. This is the legacy that Dan Gale leaves to Corvette enthusiasts and the one we should all remember him by.

The NCM flag will fly at half-mast in tribute to his many contributions to the Museum and the Corvette community. A portrait of Dan, his cast-in-life overseeing drawings and pictures of the Museum in various stages of construction has been placed in the skydome and can be viewed by webcam on the Museum's website.

This special section on our website is available for enthusiasts to express their appreciation and sympathy to Karen, his wife; to the children Heather, Darrin, Peter, Chris and Robby; and to grandson Robby.