May 24, 2010

America On Wheels An ideal Stop For Day-Trippers, Valley Visitors
Note to Media: The America On Wheels museum of over-the-road transportation makes an ideal segment for a “One-Tank-Trip” broadcast or a “My Favorite Places” story feature. To learn more or make arrangements for an interview, taping or photo session, contact Executive Director Linda Merkel at 610-432-4200 or director@americaonwheels.org.

Allentown, Pa – The muscle of Motor City, a keystone location along Allentown’s developing riverfront and convenient access to several nearby cultural and sports venues make America On Wheels an ideal destination vacationers, day-trippers and other visitors to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. “Pure Muscle – Fast, Fun and Furious” is a dazzling display of the vehicles that represented the turbulent 1960s as they blended muscle, motors and music to give voice to the Baby Boom generation and memories that last a lifetime. The display, which runs through the summer in the Changing Exhibit Gallery at America On Wheels, includes several limited editions of Detroit’s best, such as a 1965 Pontiac GTO, 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang, a 1969 Corvette Convertible and a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. “America On Wheels is a perfect destination for families and automobile enthusiasts of all ages,” said Executive Director Linda Merkel. “We have something for everyone, from the great classic muscle cars to the real heavy-duty muscle of the big Mack trucks in our South Gallery.”

Special events scheduled for this summer include:
May 29 -- Military Appreciation Day. Show your military ID and admission is free. The first 100 visitors will receive an American flag token.

June 5 – Wacky Saturday – All kids 12 and under admitted free.

June 18 – The Dangers of Drinking and Driving. Come hear George Seisler from the Eastern Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Association explain just how and why alcohol and automobiles don’t mix. A great seminar on the safe driving practices everyone should know.

June 25-26 – AMX Regional Days. Come celebrate the classic American Motors Corporation with the Mid-Atlantic Classic AMX Club and view some of the great, classic fun cars like the Javelin and Gremlin. Late June through August – A Soapbox Derby exhibit will include more than 20 vehicles from this iconic American past-time with a glimpse into the workmanship and the history of the programs that made the Soapbox Derby famous.

July 3 – Red, White and Blue Day at the Museum. All children age 12 and under admitted free.

July 22 – The 8th Annual Greenway Sojourn. Join more than 400 cyclists from more than 30 states who will spend a Night at the Museum as they near the finish of their 350-mile, 7-day trek.

America On Wheels 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.

In addition, America On Wheels is adding educational programs and exhibits that connect visitors with the Changing Exhibit and the times the vehicles represent. “The Diner,” featuring photos of classic drive-ins from across the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania, and other photographs and items related to the Civil Rights, Anti-War, Hippies and Women’s Rights will all be included in the current “Pure Muscle” theme.

America On Wheels will also soon add a “History of Transportation” timeline with a special emphasis on local transportation developments. Age-appropriate educational material will also be available for children ages 5 to 14. America On Wheels is also close and convenient to several other museums and tourism destinations in the City of Allentown, making it an ideal starting point for a family daytrip or overnight outing.

These include the Allentown Art Museum and its current exhibition of Violet Oakley’s working studies used for her famous murals in Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building; the Liberty Bell Shrine at Zion UCC Church, where visitors can learn about local history and see where America’s iconic bell was hidden to protect it from the British Army during the Revolutionary War; and the DaVinci Center of Science and Discovery, where children can enjoy hands-on exhibits and activities while learning about the impact of science on everyday life.

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