February 24, 2009

America on Wheels, Downtown Institutions Partner to Promote Allentown
Cultural City Scenes

Allentown, PA - The America on Wheels Transportation Museum and five other cultural institutions in Allentown are partnering to promote tourism in the city through a single card that offers discounts to all six institutions.

The other institutions include the Allentown Art Museum, Lehigh County Historical Society, Allentown Symphony Hall, the Liberty Bell Shrine and the Da Vinci Science Center. The card is available at any of the institutions and valid through the end of 2009. "We have so much to offer in Allentown, from transportation history to our regional and national history, from art to science to music - it's all here and available in a way that makes it possible to enjoy a full day in the city," said Linda Merkel, Executive Director of the America on Wheels Museum (AOW).

Merkel said she approached officials at the other institutions after the AOW opened in April 2008 and is thrilled with the enthusiastic response. "There is strength in numbers, and working together we can all make our marketing dollars stretch even further in a tough economy," Merkel said. "We also know that the tough economy affects our visitors and we are proud to be able to offer these discounts so that more people can enjoy the attractions offered in the City of Allentown."

AOW and the Allentown Art Museum both offer "buy one, get one" admission discounts to all card holders. The Lehigh County Historical Society offers a $1 per visit discount on its admission price, the Liberty Bell Shrine offers a 10 percent discount at its gift shop and Symphony Hall offers a 20 percent discount on all purchases.

"I think this is a great initiative. It works perfectly with our efforts to promote the city and all the assets and opportunities we offer to residents, business owners and their employees, and our visitors," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. "These institutions are true treasures and I encourage everyone to use the card and see what they offer."

The elaborate galleries of the AOW feature the vehicles that put our national, literally, on the road to international leadership in automotive transportation. Exhibits range from the latest in personal transportation vehicles, such as scooters and Segways, to the grand Mack Trucks that help feed and supply a growing country.

The "Legends of Speed" exhibit, which runs through April, features more than 30 short-track racers, a replication of the famous Allentown garage of Hiram Hillegas and a tribute to the Lehigh Valley's own Mario Andretti with several of the actual cars that Andretti races - including his Indianapolis 500 racers.

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.

Purchase your museum tickets by calling 610-432-4200 or visiting the America on Wheels Museum. For more information, call the museum staff at the number above, e-mail your questions to info@americaonwheels.org or go to www.americaonwheels.org.

Ticket prices, which include admission to the Community Program, are $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens; $3.50 for children ages 6 to 16. Children 5 and under are free.

For more information on the participating institutions, please visit their websites:
Allentown Art Museum
Lehigh County Historical Society
Allentown Symphony Hall
Liberty Bell Shrine
Da Vinci Science Center

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