Campaign 2009

Campaign 2009 Donor List
Click on the link for the updated list

I am reaching out to you for help in these difficult economic times in an effort to keep The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Inc.  a non-profit organization, open as a venue for all to enjoy.  We are striving to provide a reasonably priced tourist destination and a unique rental facility for local organizations and families.

Our mission statement is “to educate the public and to preserve and exhibit the history of American truck transportation, with a special emphasis on the 1950’s ‘Golden Age of Trucking’. The museum was founded in 1998 by the late Richard Guerrera, my Dad. His passion for trucks and the trucking industry was unparalleled. He was known for his civic-mindedness and commitment to the betterment of his community, serving on boards and donating his time and money to many non-profits. He founded the Museum as another way to give back to the community. With over 18 pristinely restored trucks and land that he had purchased in Middlebury, his dream to have a museum was coming together. Unfortunately, in 1999, he lost a courageous battle with cancer. I miss him dearly but his presence is felt throughout the Museum. His wife, Frances, my Mom, carried out his dream and funded a building to house the Museum.  She continues to support the museum financially, as a member of the Board of Directors, and as a volunteer. She is an invaluable asset to the Museum.

 In 2002, The Golden Age of Trucking Museum opened under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors and two full time employees, Assistant Director, Pamela Palmer, and me. Since that time we have gained one half-time employee and over 30 volunteers. The 32,000 square foot building showcases over 40 antique trucks, cars and boats. The Guerrera trucks are displayed permanently and other trucks are on display for one year and then rotated out so that the exhibits remain new and exciting. On Library Lane you will find a comfortable reading lounge and library with transportation-related books, magazines and periodicals. The long-term objective is for the library to become a source for education and research. The Founder’s Gallery showcases a featured artist whose work is on display for one year. Media on West Main shows movies of various titles related to transportation. Interactive Interstate is a hands-on children’s area with computers, games, puzzles, blocks, ride-on toys, and a cut-away of a Volvo truck that the children can get into. The museum is open to the public year round. There are discounted rates for groups, special needs visitors and truck drivers. The museum hosts an event each month to increase attendance and revenue: January, March and April are Saturday Seminars; February is a fundraiser dinner/ dance with a silent auction; May, June, July and August are evening Cruise Nights; September is an Antique and Classic Truck and Car Festival; October is a Harvest Festival; November is the Founder’s Gallery artist reception and opening; and December is the Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Event. Ongoing fundraisers include a Golden Brick Campaign, in which bricks are purchased for $100. and engraved and placed in the Museum patio; and the Sponsorship/ Membership Drive, in which various levels of participation are available. The Museum also generates revenue by renting space for business meetings, parties, weddings and fundraisers, offering a discount to other non-profits.

Last year over 20,000 visitors came through the Museum from all over the country and the world. We were chosen by Yankee Magazine as an “Editor’s Choice” for the 2006 Travel Guide to New England. We are featured in three published books, Summer in Connecticut, by Diane Smith and The World’s Greatest Working Trucks Volume V and VII by Earl L. Johnson and Grace M. Hawkins. Numerous magazine articles featuring the Museum have been published and we have been showcased on five television segments. A few of the hundreds of visitor comments have been: “The volunteers were very informative. Art exhibit was enjoyable, as was the Edaville film. A+ truck display.”  Nina and John from Newtown, CT. “Terrific display! Our kids loved the interactive area! Thanks…” The Shuken family from Vacaville, CA. “Excellent. Beautiful exhibit. Nice staff. Took good care of me. Thanks!” Steve from Levin, New Zealand. As demonstrated by the comments here, our visitors leave the Museum having had a positive experience. If all of our guests donated even a small amount of money to the museum our success would be assured. 

The Museum is an asset to the community and the state in that it provides a family-oriented, reasonably-priced tourist destination. We strive to preserve history and provide an educational impact on all of our visitors.

I am grateful to all of our supporters and volunteers and would appreciate any monetary donation that you are able to give; even $1.00 or $5.00. No amount is too small and every donation will directly benefit the Museum. Our goal is to raise $100,000.00 during ‘Campaign 2009’. A list of all donors will be posted on our web site and we will update the amount raised periodically. Donations may be made in memory of someone or in honor of someone; we will also accept anonymous donations.

All $10,000.00 donors will be provided with a table of 10 guests at our 2010 February Fundraiser as well as donor recognition on all brochures and correspondence sent in 2009 through 2010. $5,000.00 donors will be provided with 4 guest tickets for our fundraiser and recognition on correspondence sent in 2009 through 2010. $1,000.00 donors will be given 2 guest tickets to our fundraiser and recognition on correspondence sent in 2009 through 2010. A portion of your donation is tax deductible and you will receive confirmation of your donation. Please help The Golden Age of Trucking Museum continue to provide a unique and fun experience for children and adults alike.

I am very grateful and appreciative of your consideration and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for contributing to the longevity of The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Inc.  

Sincerely,

Kathleen Jones
Director

Make a donation
Thank you in advance for your support. Any way that you may help is greatly appreciated. We accept cash, checks or credit cards.

Checks may be made payable to:
The Golden Age of Trucking Museum
P.O. Box 1314
1101 Southford Road
Middlebury, CT 06762
Phone: 203-577-2181 fax: 203-577-2404

The Golden Age of Trucking Museum
1101 Southford Road
Middlebury, Connecticut 06762
Phone: 203-577-2181             Fax: 203-577-2404