Sister Spotlight: Mary Ellen Nist
Mary originally joined Elfi’s Sisterhood because she appreciated the mission behind it—an organization created to honor Elfi Arkus-Duntov, the “First Lady of Corvette,” and to bring together women Corvette enthusiasts. After a brief absence, she recently rejoined the Sisterhood.
“It is my feeling that with this new direction, the Sisterhood will be moving forward in a more positive direction.”
For Mary, the Sisterhood is more than just a group—it’s a vital way to connect with other women who share a love for America’s Sports Car and to make a meaningful impact on future generations. Reflecting on her favorite Sisterhood contributions to the Museum, she offered two highlights: “Our very first project, the ‘Damsels of Design’ exhibit, honored Elfi Arkus-Duntov and the many women who helped shape Corvette history. My second favorite was Fund a Field Trip. It’s a powerful way to educate and inspire future generations. I saw this program in action while John and I visited the McMichael Family Education Gallery. It was amazing.”
With summer in full swing, we asked Mary to share a favorite warm-weather Corvette memory—and she didn’t disappoint: “John and I were Captains of the 2019 Atlantic Corvette Caravan. One special memory beyond the Caravan itself was our British Isles cruise in July 2019 out of Amsterdam. Several members of the Heartbeat Corvette Club of the Netherlands were joining the Caravan, so we reached out to see if we could meet up. Esther picked us up at our hotel and drove us (not in a Corvette, though!) to a local gas station where we met her husband Arjen, and other club members: Harry and his wife Marjan, Wim and Wilma, and Cor. We drove through the Dutch countryside, changing Corvettes at every stop. My favorite was Harry’s 1972 Gray Convertible with red interior. We saw windmills, dykes, and beautiful landscapes, followed by a wonderful lunch. It was even more special when the club joined us in August for the Caravan and were able to drive other folks’ Corvettes in the U.S.”
This summer, Mary and John will continue their adventures on a cruise through Norway and the Arctic Circle, then on to Iceland, Greenland, and the Canadian Maritimes.
As for her dream Corvette? A 2016 Z51 Long Beach Red Convertible with Spice Interior.
Welcome back to the Sisterhood, Mary! And who knows—maybe musical Corvettes should become an official Sisterhood activity?
Staff Spotlight: Dr. Katie McClurkin, Senior Collections Manager
We’re excited to introduce you to Dr. Katie McClurkin, our Senior Collections Manager. Dr. McClurkin holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History from Youngstown State University and earned her Ph.D. in Public History from Middle Tennessee State University. Her doctoral work took her to Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a residency at the National Museums Northern Ireland, where she contributed to the Troubles and Beyond gallery.
“My dissertation combined my academic passions—Irish history, museums, and material culture,” she explains.
From 2020 to 2025, Dr. McClurkin served as a professor at Western Kentucky University here in Bowling Green. Although she valued her time in the classroom, she felt called back to the museum world.
“When the opportunity to work at the National Corvette Museum came up, I had to toss my hat in the ring,” she says. “I’m so glad I did.”
At the Museum, Dr. McClurkin oversees the care and long-term preservation of the Collection, ensuring every artifact is safeguarded for future generations. She’s quick to acknowledge her team’s shared dedication and care.
Her favorite part of the role? The people.
“I’m not instinctively a car person, and I’ll never be a gearhead, but I’ve fallen in love with the Corvette Community. There’s a deep connection between the car and the people who love it. Everyone has a Corvette story, and I’m happy to hear them all.”
One of her most meaningful donor interactions came during this year’s Michelin NCM Bash:
“I had the privilege of meeting PJ Ray, who brought in memorabilia from a short-lived race in Baltimore, as well as a shadowbox filled with 50th Anniversary keepsakes—pins, badges, photos, even a baseball. It was beautifully arranged and full of heart. More than commemorating the event, it reflected PJ’s deep love for Corvette and this community. We’ll preserve the shadowbox exactly as she designed it.”
As for her dream Corvette? A 1955 V8 in Corvette Copper.
Be sure to say hello next time you’re at the Museum. Dr. McClurkin can often be found in the Library & Archives, preserving the stories that make our Collection come alive.
Interested in joining Elfi’s Sisterhood or supporting educational programming like Fund a Field Trip, click the button below.
