Hershey, PA | July 13, 2021, | Night at the Museum (NATM), the annual fundraising event benefitting the AACA Museum, Inc., is planned for October 6, 2021. This year’s one-of-a-kind event brings together two favorites — Cars and Country Music. It celebrates the mission and accomplishments of the Museum, which aims to preserve and present motoring history. In addition, the event provides the perfect platform to honor and recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the automotive hobby.
Honoring NPD Founder, Jim Schmidt
This year the AACA Museum Automotive Heritage Award honoree is Jim Schmidt. Jim is a lifelong antique auto enthusiast and has accumulated an extensive and eclectic collection of mostly American-made vehicles. The noteworthy collection contains a large number of low-mile unrestored original examples. Jim’s restoration activities started at age 14 when he paid $50 to rescue a 1928 Ford Model A Sport Coupe from the junkyard. He restored the car and still owns it. Turning his interests to the Ford Thunderbird, Jim performed a body-off restoration on a 1957 model, became an early and active member of the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI), and founded National Parts Depot (NPD). in 1976. NPD has evolved into a leading restoration parts supplier for classic American cars and trucks. Throughout this journey, Jim and NPD have always believed in giving back to the hobby in both support and philanthropy.
Great food and entertainment with country style
The night will surely be one to remember. Once again, C&J Catering provides delicious food in a relaxed barbecue-style atmosphere that brings Cars and Country Music together. As a special treat, we welcome Troy Engle & Southern Skies for a live performance. Troy Engle’s resume reads like a who’s who of Bluegrass and Country Music. He has played everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to Bluegrass Festivals across North America, with artists like Patty Loveless, Larry Sparks, The Isaacs, and Buddy Jewell. He’s written award-winning bluegrass hits with Dixie and Tom T. Hall and composed music for TV Shows like The Voice, American Pickers, Duck Dynasty, and Pawn Stars. Troy steps into the spotlight to shine the light on his own original music. Troy and his ace Bluegrass band “Southern Skies” released their first Bluegrass album, “Fox Hollow Memories” in 2020. He sang and wrote all 12 songs on the project and played mandolin, banjo, fiddle, dobro, guitar, upright bass, strings, and drums! His talent is certainly a must-see at Night at the Museum.
TicketsTickets are now on sale. General and VIP admission options are now available. Find out more and reserve your tickets.
Sponsorship opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for businesses to be a part of Night at the Museum. Each tiered sponsorship package includes generous promotional benefits and visibility. Businesses — large and small — are invited to partner with the Museum to make Night at the Museum an event to remember. For sponsorship information and advertising, please contact Executive Director Jeffrey Bliemeister, 717-566-7100 x102
Who benefits?
The easy answer … everyone. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Museum offers visitors a world-class transportation experience through interactive exhibits, educational opportunities, entertaining events, and hands-on activities. Dedicated to education and preserving transportation heritage, the Museum opened its doors in 2003. The 20th anniversary is fast approaching, and the Museum continues to flourish as one of the top transportation museums in the United States.
