The Susquehanna River Valley

The Susquehanna River is 464 miles (747 km) long and is the longest river on the US East Coast. With its watershed, it is the 16th-largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the continental United States without commercial boat traffic today. In the Canal Era, navigation improvements were made to enhance the river for barge shipping of bulk goods by water on the Pennsylvania Canal.

History the river has played an important role throughout American history. In the 18^th century, William Penn’s negotiations with the Lenape led to settlements in the lands between the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers and, in late colonial times, anthracite coal was transported. During the American Revolution, an expedition came downriver from its headwaters; the upper portion navigable by damming the river's source at Lake Otsego, allowing the lake's level to rise and then destroying the dam and flooding the river for miles downstream.

Bridges Ferries Canals and Dams prior to the Port Deposit Bridge opening in 1818, the river formed a barrier between the northern and southern states. The earliest dams were constructed to support ferry operations in low water. Its many rapids meant that commercial traffic could only navigate down the river in the high waters of the spring thaws. Two different canal systems were constructed on the lower Susquehanna to bypass the rapids. The Port Deposit Canal was completed in 1802, followed by the larger Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. Later, bridges replaced ferries, and railroads replaced canals.

200 Bridges and Two Ferries cross the Susquehanna. Canals are preserved as Historic Parks

Harrisburg, the Capital of Pennsylvania, was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 3000 BC. Known as Peixtin, the area was an important trading post for Native American traders, as trails leading from the Delaware to the Ohio Rivers, and from the Potomac to the Upper Susquehanna intersected there.

Hershey is a year-round, world class travel destination with an amusement park, exclusive resorts and family attractions. Surrounded by some of America’s most productive dairy farms, the world’s first modern chocolate factory and model town is a real community.

City Island is a 63-acre tourism and recreational destination containing archaeological treasures of the Susquehannocks and Iroquois tribes which established seasonal settlements here. The island was a stopping off-point for Union soldiers during the Civil War; they crossed over it by way of the Camelback Bridge to defend Harrisburg from the threat of invasion by the Confederate Army. Today, City Island is a tourist and sports venue for the Harrisburg Senators Baseball Stadium, the City Islanders Soccer Stadium, the Pride of the Susquehanna, City Island Railroad, and the City Island Stables.

Millersburg Borough nestled along the Susquehanna River, is quaint community radiating out from a Victorian Market Square Park featuring a Gazebo dating back to 1891. Millersburg evolved along with the introduction new forms of transportation; travel back to the 17^th century and visit the Wiconisco Canal in MYO Park and a restored 1898 passenger rail station on West Center Street. The National Historic Register's Millersburg Ferry System traces its roots to 1817.

Pride of the Susquehanna River Boat is one of the last remaining authentic paddle-wheel riverboats in America. Since her construction and launch in 1988, "The Pride" has carried almost a million passengers who have enjoyed themed cruises and River School Educational Trips.

Car Museums

A Century of Vintage Vehicles Entrepreneurship and Industrial Development

Much of the history of the 20^th Century has been defined by the automobile industry. In countries like the United States and Italy, among others, this form of transport has been the prime mover behind industrial and economic development as well as the lifestyle in urban, suburban and rural communities.

Museums such as the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania are tasked with the preservation of vehicles of all type and educate the public. American History unfolds as decade after decade of car models, memorabilia, and collectibles come to life.  Over eight decades of cars are displayed in themed settings such as the Golden Gate Bridge, an Art Deco hotel, a gas service station, a covered bridge, Battery Park in New York, and more. From the timeless beauty and classic elegance of Model T’s and Thunderbirds, to the rough and tumble of muscle cars and motorcycles, to the romance of rumble seats, visitors are transported through time in sections that represent the decades.  America’s love affair with the automobile is constant and ever growing. More

In Italy, the region that most symbolizes the automobile industry is Emilia-Romagna, home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati and other historic brands such as the Dallara and Pagani race cars, and motorbike legends Moto Morini, Malaguti, Minarelli and Bimota. The Entrepreneurial Spirit that made possible the introduction of new technologies, artisanal and industrial know-how, and the evolution in car and bike racing as well as state of the art assembly lines can be experienced at several museums:

The Baracca Museum, named for WWI aviation ace Francesco Baracca, can be considered the starting point of Italy’s motoring adventure; the world famous prancing horse logo was displayed on his plane and was eventually adopted by Ferarri and Ducati.

The Ferrari Museum is located just a few hundred meters from the factory in Maranello; a complete experience covering the car maker’s history and its successes in Formula 1 racing. The Casa Enzo Ferrari di Modena (MEF) focuses on the life and work of the founder.
Sports Automobile History in Emilia Romagna was also made by Maserati, founded in 1914 as a car repair shop and holder of speed records and world championships. A collection of 19 cars can be viewed at the Panini Museum.
 

The Lamborghini Museum, located inside the factory, retraces the Trident’s history from the 1960s whereas the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum focuses on the life of the founder, starting from his experiences as a tractor manufacturer and including helicopter engines and industrial designs from the 1950s to the 1970s.
 

The Ducati Museum is also located inside the factory in the suburbs of Bologna. Ducati traces its origins to 1926 as a radio communications manufacturer; motorcycle production and racing began in 1946 with a two speed,  48 cc, one cylinder engine.
 

The Stanguellini Museum in Modena presents an artisanal company, dating from 1925 that went on to become a prestigious car racing manufacturer specializing in lightweight and fast rally cars. Dallara specializes in designs using carbon fiber composite materials and competes in F3 championships.
 

The Righini Collection, located in the Panzano Medieval Castle near Modena, includes vehicles from different epochs, including Mercedes Benz, Isotta Fraschini and the Alfa Romeo 2300 driven by Tazio Nuvolari.

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Museum Itineraries in the United States and Italy

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The AACA Museum in Hershey Pennsylvania

An American Industry & Commerce Travel Itinerary

Cruising through Time with Eighty Years of Vintage Vehicles

The Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania opened its doors in June 2003, with over 100 cars, motorcycles plus memorabilia, collectibles, and special exhibits.

Preserving America’s Antique Automobiles

Vehicles of all types 25 years or older are welcome in the AACA.  In 1993, the AACA started a nonprofit organization to further preserve these antique automobiles and educate the public.

AACA One of Only Two US Automotive Museums Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution

American History unfolds as decade after decade of car models, memorabilia, and collectibles come to life.  Over eight decades of cars are displayed in themed settings such as the Golden Gate Bridge, an Art Deco hotel, a gas service station, a covered bridge, Battery Park in New York, and more. From the timeless beauty and classic elegance of Model T’s and Thunderbirds, to the rough and tumble of muscle cars and motorcycles, to the romance of rumble seats, visitors are transported through time in sections that represent the decades.  America’s love affair with the automobile is constant and ever growing. 

Late 1800s the Benton Harbor Motorcycle is a rare survivor from the pioneer period of American automobile development.  Restoration research revealed that this may be the first vehicle in America built from scratch as an automobile as opposed to construction on a modified horse-drawn carriage. 

A replica of the1896 Ford Quadricycle is on display on the Museum’s Lower Level; Ford’s first self-propelled vehicle received its name from its use of four standard bicycle wheels.   

Early 1900s The Alphabet Ford Collection Henry Ford changed the world when he introduced the model T in 1909.  This remarkable vehicle was standardized and mass-produced.  At one time, over half the cars on the road were Model T’s. Some of these Fords were produced in limited numbers and are quite rare. On display on the lower level of the Museum are: 1903 Model A, 1904 Model B, 1905 Model C, 1906 Model F, 1907 Model R, 1908 Model K, 1908 Model S, 1909 Model T.    

1920s during this decade automobile production levels reached a high that would not be seen again until the 1950’s.  Lower priced cars such as the Whippet, Model A, and Plymouth helped keep many manufacturers stay in business during the Depression.  At the AACA Museum visitors can see a 1928 Oldsmobile Model F28 Roadster, a Stearns Knight Five Passenger Sports Sedan, and a 1926 Packard Five Passenger Touring.  Other areas of the Museum feature a 1924 Graham Brothers 1 ½-ton truck and a 1929 Stearns-Knight J-8-90 Seven Passenger Sedan.

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1930s a decade that represents the highpoint of American automotive design with decorative bodies and flashy interiors.  Car design followed the Art Deco inspired architecture of the period.  Autos on display include the 1930 Dupont Model G Convertible, 1930 Cord L-29 Convertible, a 1936 Chrysler C-9 Airflow and a 1935 Brewster four door sedan.  In other areas of the Museum, visitors can see a 1930 Buick Special, Series 40, and a 1935 Autocar 1200 gallon Fuel Tanker.      

1940s a decade divided by pre-war, war production, and post war.  Vehicle production stopped in 1942 as manufacturers converted to support the war effort.  After the war, most manufacturers re-introduced their old models to the market that would by any new car available.  AACA displays a gas station with the interior open for viewing.  Also on display: a 1940 Ford Deluxe Convertible Coupe and a 1941 Packard Clipper Nineteenth Series.   

1950s America emerges from World War II economically strengthened and automobile production sets new records.  Power, size and luxury dictate the auto’s development for this decade.  While large cars mark the era, the domestic compact car begins with the Nash Rambler. The Drive-In was a popular place for people to congregate in their cars to watch movies on an outdoors big screen.  Part of the fun was the late night adventure.  AACA’s Drive-In scene has a variety of 50’s vehicles including a 1954 Corvette Convertible and a 1956 Chevrolet step-side pick-up truck.   

1960s Manufacturers focus on internal brand identity, building new types of vehicles: personal luxury, muscle cars, pony cars, and cars with special packaging.  Consumer demands and government regulations dictate changes in the industry.  On display: the 1969 AMC AMX muscle car, a 1965 Chevy Corvair Convertible, a 1968 Cadillac El Dorado and more.  

1970s a decade of reaction and change for the auto industry.  The muscle car was eliminated by the threat of rising insurance rates, government regulations, and oil shortages.  Imported cars become serious competition for Detroit. A variety of different vehicles are featured for this decade.

From Roads to Rails travel back in time as O-gauge trains chug through the idyllic Pennsylvania countryside and multiple scenes reminiscent of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.      

The Museum of Bus Transportation has partnered with the Antique Auto Club of America Museum to provide museum quality displays of the bus industry - intercity, transit, and school - for the public.  It also serves to showcase the industry’s growth and development in the United States and celebrate the role that the bus industry continues to play in mobility and progress of the American public. 

The Motorbus Industry Occupies a Vital Place in America’s Everyday Life

In rural areas and in the thousands of towns and cities across the nation buses provide personal transport, carrying more persons daily than all other public modes of transportation put together. Until recently there was no national showplace for this industry to show and tell its story. The building and evolution of this industry provides a fascinating story of invention, entrepreneurship and the effort of thousands of people risking their time and capital in the hope of creating a profitable business. 

The Flo Inn Café’ diners were a place where you could get the best breakfast for the best price and could be assured a full plate of whatever you ordered, straight from the kitchen, made to order.  Coffee was always available fresh from the pot, hot, and served with a smile.  The chef and waitresses were a part of the atmosphere and “regulars” were known by their first names.  Here is where you caught up with local news, learned of the latest gossip, and started the day with friendly camaraderie. The Flo Inn Café, owned and operated by Florence Fortnoy, is an actual diner that operated from 1948 to 1983 at 2305 East Central, Wichita, Kansas.  A small wall safe located just inside the door identifies this as a Valentine Diner, Aristocrat model, made in Kansas in 1940.  This model was designed to be easy to operate, sold fully equipped, and was moveable, if need be, to a new location if business dropped. Outside the diner is a parked car of the era, a 1941 Plymouth P12, Convertible Coupe.  

Special AACA Museum Features

The World’s Largest Collection of Tucker Automobiles the enthusiasm and creativity that propelled Preston Tucker and his vision for the Tucker automobile is something that has captured the hearts of many. The AACA Museum is home to the David Cammack Collection which includes three 1948 Tucker '48 vehicles, the factory Tucker test chassis, thousands of engineering drawings and blueprints, original Tucker parts, several engines and many other artifacts and displays.

Of the 51 original Tuckers produced, on 49 have survived and remain in existence.   Of these, 3 are on display at the AACA Museum including Tucker #1001 the very first production Tucker and the ONLY surviving Tucker with automatic transmission.

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