NEW ENGLAND AUTO MUSEUM BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBERS
Michael E. Scheidel
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Michael E. Scheidel is the Founder, President and CEO of the New England Auto Museum. He is a mechanical engineering graduate of Hartford State Technical College, and owner of Scheidel Enterprises, an internet marketing company. His love and passion for antique automobiles inspired him to create this organization to share his passion with others. Mike’s prior activities included being the 8-year President of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Central CT Chambers of Commerce, co-chairman of the Make A Mark Region 10 Enrichment Fund, and advisory board member for the business school of Lincoln College. Mike remains as advisory board member of the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra. Some of his many dream cars include 1929-1934 Packards, 1940 Fords and 1949-51 Mercury customs.
Christine Scheidel
Christine Scheidel is a founding partner and Vice President of the New England Auto Museum. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and has earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master’s of Science in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Baypath College. Although she did not grow up around antique cars, she immediately offered to help in building the business when her husband, Mike, admitted to having the lifelong dream to start this auto museum. Chris works full-time at Pratt & Whitney, and enjoys hosting friends, kayaking and reading at her cottage. Her favorite car is one that is reliable and dependable, and is a convertible in the summer, and has heated seats in the winter!
Rick Theriault
Rick Theriault is a self-taught restoration enthusiast with over 35 years of metal fabrication experience. He specializes in restoring automobiles from 1940-1970 and has come to be a well-respected encyclopedia of knowledge for that era of automobile production. A strong believer in passing on his knowledge, Rick has volunteered his time teaching restoration skills to high school students at WAMOGO Regional High School in Litchfield, CT for the last 10 years. He took the initiative to start the WAMOGO Tractor Restoration Team and has lead the Team to restore 10 tractors to date. This Team was featured on the Discovery Channel’s Chasing Classic Cars in 2014 as they restored a tractor for Wayne Carrini, which is now located in Roxbury Farm Museum in Roxbury, CT. Rick lives in Plymouth, CT with his wife of 31 years and when he is not fabricating metal or teaching students, you can find him writing articles for auto magazines, traveling the country to seek out old cars, auto museums and auto shows with his family and friends.
Joseph Scheidel
Joseph Scheidel is a passionate classic car enthusiast and volunteer firefighter. A graduate of Wamogo High School, he continues to give back by mentoring the school’s tractor restoration team. He attended McPherson College for a couple of years before fully dedicating himself to firefighting, restoring a 1946 Plymouth, and rebuilding the engine of his 2004 Ford F250 diesel. With a deep love for automotive history and hands-on restoration, Joe enjoys connecting with fellow car lovers at shows and events. He is honored to serve on the board of the New England Auto Museum, where he hopes to share his passion and contribute to preserving automotive heritage.