C.J. Moyna & Sons
Earthmoving Legacy Center
MOVING MOUNTAINS FOR THE HISTORY OF EARTH MOVING
For more than 75 years, C.J. Moyna & Sons has shaped the landscape of the Midwest. But beyond its modern-day impact, the company—especially owner John Moyna—has a deep passion for the machines that made it all possible. That passion became the foundation for the C.J. Moyna Earthmoving Legacy Center, a museum built to preserve and celebrate the evolution of heavy equipment. We partnered with the Moyna team to shape the story, plan the space, design the exhibits, and fabricate key elements that make this unique destination unforgettable.
SERVICES:
– Project Management
– Interpretive Planning
– Design
– Copywriting
– Elevation Drawings
– Graphic Production
– Fabrication
– Installation
STEEL AND GRIT AT THE DOOR
The first impression sets the tone. We custom fabricated a front desk inspired by the rugged steel wheels of early earthmoving machines, using layered materials and specialty finishes. It’s a tactile, hands-on nod to the durability and determination that built the industry.
HOLT VS. BEST: RIVALS THAT MOVED THE WORLD
One standout feature explores the fierce competition between Benjamin Holt and C.L. Best—two innovators whose personal rivalry accelerated equipment advancement in the early 20th century. Through graphics and artifacts, visitors discover how their battle paved the way for a breakthrough brand: Caterpillar.
A TIMELINE OF PROGRESS
A sweeping timeline wraps around the show floor, placing earthmoving milestones alongside major moments in world history. From the earliest rigs to industry-defining machines, this visual anchor grounds the experience and shows how technological evolution helped reshape the world—one innovation at a time.
HORSES TO HORSEPOWER
Before engines roared, horsepower was literal. A team of lifelike horses shows just how far the industry has come—offering a striking comparison between early four-horse teams and today’s 400-horsepower giants. It’s a powerful visual that makes the scale of progress impossible to miss.
MORE THAN 50 MACHINES, ONE SEAMLESS STORY
John Moyna’s personal collection of historic machines provides the heart of the Earthmoving Legacy Center. We worked closely with the team to organize the layout, plan traffic flow, and present each machine within a larger, layered narrative—making the collection both accessible and awe-inspiring.
THE CEILING THAT TELLS A STORY
In the Earthmoving Legacy Center, the ceiling itself tells a story. We designed, produced, and installed more than 960 four-foot by four-foot tiles that form a sweeping mural of earthmoving equipment in action—a recognition of the artistry behind the machines.