December 8, 2009

America On Wheels Opens Doors To Show Appreciation for Armed Services Volunteers

Free Admission To All Wearing a Uniform or Carrying Military I.D.

Allentown, Pa. – America On Wheels (AOW) is showing its appreciation for men and women in uniform this holiday season by offering free admission to the Train Time 2009 Charity Holiday Exhibit on Saturday to all members of the U.S. military who either wear their uniforms or present a military identification card.

Twelve Train Time model train exhibits ranging from N to G scale wind their way through the various exhibit rooms in the museum and engineers operate the trains during special, extended hours throughout the holiday season. In addition, the first vehicles in AOW’s “Concept Cars” revolving exhibit will be on display.

“We know the sacrifices these men and women make to protect our nation, which ranges from time away from their families, loved ones and communities to the ultimate sacrifice made by so many to keep us safe,” said Executive Director Linda Merkel. “This is why we have been honored to work with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on the 2009 Toys for Tots campaign and why we are happy to open our doors to the members of all armed services,” Merkel said.

AOW is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The museum is also working with the Train Time team and exhibit coordinators from Jack’s Glass, Second Harvest Food Bank, Be An Angel and other organizations to make the 2009 Toys for Tots campaign a success. Merkel noted that the museum is open to the public on Saturday as well as during special hours established for the Train Time exhibit and Toys for Tots drive.

Visitors can support Toys for Tots by donating a new, unwrapped toy that can be placed on the Mack Truck, driven by Santa, on display in the museum lobby. Engineers will be on-hand to operate the trains on Friday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours from Nov. 28 through Dec. 27 are 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. On Dec. 22, 23 and 26 the trains will be run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and hours on Dec. 27 are Noon to 5 p.m.

Easily accessible to a half-dozen other renowned cultural institutions in Allentown, AOW celebrates our nation’s love affair with motorized and non-motorized over-the-road transportation and its permanent exhibits range from the Nadig – one of America’s first automobiles, produced in Allentown – to the massive Mack Trucks that helped America become the most powerful nation in the world. AOW also offers hands-on playtime exhibits and learning centers for the children and a souvenir shop for race fans and anyone with an affinity for our automotive legacy.

For more information on Military Day or other special events during the Train Time 2009 Charity Holiday Exhibit, visit the museum’s website at www.americaonwheels.org, call the museum staff at 610-432-4200, or e-mail your questions to director@americaonwheels.org.

Admission prices from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27 are $10 for adults; $6 for seniors and children ages 6 to 16; and children under 5 are admitted free. Boarding Passes, which offer unlimited admission during this period, are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors; $10 for children ages 6 to 16. A portion of the admission will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and Be An Angel.

For More Information:
Linda Merkel - Executive Director
America On Wheels Museum
5 N. Front St. Allentown, PA
(610) 432-4200
director@americaonwheels.org
www.americaonwheels.org