Antique Auto Museum In Hershey Pennsylvania
The Antique Auto Museum in Hershey Pennsylvania is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of automobiles, and it features an impressive collection of vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
The History of the Antique Auto Museum
The Antique Auto Museum was established in 2003 by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA). The museum is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which is also home to the Hershey's chocolate factory.
The AACA was founded in 1935 and has since grown into one of the largest and most prestigious automotive organizations in the world. The club is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of antique and classic cars, and it has more than 60,000 members in the United States and around the world.
The Collection
The collection at the Antique Auto Museum is truly impressive. It includes more than 100 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, ranging from the earliest vehicles of the late 19th century to modern classics of the 1980s.
One of the highlights of the collection is a 1910 Stanley Steamer, which was one of the first cars to run on steam power. The museum also has a 1931 Duesenberg Model J, which was one of the most luxurious and expensive cars of its time.
Other notable cars in the collection include a 1930 Cadillac V-16, a 1948 Tucker, and a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray.
The Exhibits
The museum has several exhibits that showcase the history and evolution of automobiles. One of the most popular exhibits is the "Age of Elegance," which features cars from the 1920s and 1930s, a time when automobiles were seen as symbols of wealth and social status.
Another popular exhibit is the "Camelot Cars," which features cars from the 1960s, a time when automobiles were seen as symbols of freedom and individuality. The exhibit includes a 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible, which was famously used by President John F. Kennedy.
The museum also has a collection of motorcycles, including a 1912 Indian Twin and a 1949 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide.
The Library and Archives
The Antique Auto Museum also has a library and archives, which are open to the public. The library has a collection of more than 4,000 books and magazines on the history of automobiles, and the archives have a collection of more than 1 million photographs and documents related to the history of the automobile industry.
Visiting the Museum
The Antique Auto Museum is open daily, except for major holidays. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children ages 4-12. Children under 4 are free.
The museum also offers guided tours, which are included with admission. The tours are led by knowledgeable docents who can provide insight into the history and significance of the cars in the collection.
Overall, the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey Pennsylvania is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a fun family outing, this museum is definitely worth a visit.
