Mission
The AACA Museum, Inc. is America’s Transportation Experience. We’re dedicated to the preservation and presentation of motor vehicle history in a manner that provides for the education and entertainment of our guests.
Our goal is to deliver a world-class automotive experience through innovative and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages and illustrate the historical evolution and potential future impacts of one of the most culturally defining innovations of modern times.
History
The Idea
The idea of presenting an automobile collector’s museum in Hershey, PA, originated with a committed group of automobile hobbyists. As their determination to move the project forward grew, their enthusiasm became contagious and gained support throughout the region. In 1993, the AACA Museum, Inc. was incorporated as a Pennsylvania nonprofit educational institution under section 501(c)(3) of the Revised IRS code.
Following feasibility and planning studies, the initial concept of a collector’s museum expanded. The new vision focused on presenting America’s intriguing automotive heritage to the public. The museum launched a $12 million capital campaign dedicated to building a world-class museum.
Bringing the Museum to Life
With dedicated leadership, the vision of a world-class automotive heritage museum in Hershey became a reality. The 71,000-square-foot museum, officially named the AACA Museum, Inc. at Hershey, opened on June 26, 2003. Offering noteworthy exhibits and an ever-growing permanent collection, the museum welcomes guests of all ages to enjoy the wonders of invention, interactive educational displays, famous and one-of-a-kind vehicles, and family fun.
Continuing the Vision
Today the AACA Museum at Hershey displays vintage automobiles in unique settings. Visitors stroll through eight decades in time while traveling from New York to San Francisco. It’s a trip down “memory lane” as iconic settings reveal vehicles from generations of American motoring.
Museum sponsors workshops and activities designed to raise public awareness and appreciation of the role that the automobile has played in shaping 20th century America. Exhibitions are supported by educational programs for school and community audiences. AACA Museum embraces the role of the collector in preserving automotive heritage. It is unique in that all the cars on display have been donated or offered for display by car experts and enthusiasts.
Our Renowned Collection
The AACA Museum at Hershey ranks among the top automotive museums in the world and has been recognized by the Smithsonian as an Affiliate Museum. The museum is home to the Cammack Tucker Collection, the world’s most extensive collection of Tucker automobiles and memorabilia. The museum also houses the Museum of Bus Transportation Collection.
