The Golden Age of Trucking Museum Press Releases

June 16, 2006 - The Golden Age of Trucking Museum has been chosen as an Editor’s Choice in the 2006 edition of the Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England, deeming the museum as a must-see destination. For more than 70 years travelers have looked to Yankee Magazine to uncover New England’s finest attractions. Middlebury, Connecticut is proud to be placed on the map by this guide that has been the regions best selling travel guide for the past 35 years.

The Golden Age of Trucking Museum is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1998 by the late Richard J. Guerrera. Mr. Guerrera was a successful businessman who owned a trucking company, R. J Guerrera, Inc., which was in operation for over 35 years. As the company became successful, Mr. Guerrera began to purchase and restore antique vehicles. He housed them in barns all over the state and would often take them to truck shows and offer them for use in local parades. As his collection grew he thought that it would be wonderful if the collection could be “under one roof

for all to enjoy.” In 1998 he founded The Golden Age of Trucking Museum and purchased land to build a home for the organization. Richard Guerrera passed away in 1999, but his dream came to fulfillment in 2002 when the museum opened its doors. It was because of the dedication and hard work of his wife, Frances Guerrera, who carried out his wishes by building a 32,000 square foot facility to house the antiques. The 18 antique trucks and 2 antique boats that belong to the Guerrera family will remain in the museum forever. However, the other 30 or more antique cars and trucks are on loan to the museum. They find their home in the museum for one year and are then rotated out to make room for others . This keeps the exhibits always new and exciting. When you visit The Golden Age of Trucking Museum you will see that it is much more than just a home for some antique trucks. It is a destination for the entire family to enjoy! Memory Lane greets you with an exhibit of Crosley cars and collectibles as well as an extensive display of first gear models. Media on West Main is currently showing “Moving History” a film about moving the Edaville Railroad from Carver Massachusetts to Portland Maine. The Founder’s Gallery is currently displaying “Big Boys Little Treasures” featuring the work of artist Kiki Joyner. As you make your way into the showroom you fill find a pristine display of Diamond T, Mack, Pierce Arrow, Kenworth, Sterling, White, GMC, Dodge, International, Brockway, Federal, Jeep and Autocar trucks from the early 1900’s through the 1970’s. There are also stock cars from the Danbury Race Arena along with memorabilia and hundreds of photographs and artwork pieces. Library Lane is a comfortable reading area for our adult visitors with many transportation related books, magazines and periodicals. Once you bring the children into Interactive Interstate it will be difficult to get them to leave. There is a cut-away of a Volvo tractor complete with a sleeper that the children can get into and pretend to drive. There are games, toys, blocks, puzzles, books, computers, videos to watch and much more to keep the children occupied for hours. Waramaug Way displays two antique boats and an extensive array of vanity license plates. Guests are treated to complimentary refreshments and are welcomed to bring a lunch to enjoy! Museum volunteers are always available to open a door or hood and talk about their many experiences on the road. Some patrons have commented...”Always changing, always amazing, terrific.” “This was the nicest, most well equipped, cleanest museum we have ever been to.” “Beyond our expectations.” “One of Connecticut’s jewels.”...

The Golden Age of Trucking Museum is opened year round, Thursday through Saturday, 10-4pm, Sunday, 12-4pm, with extended hours during July and August, Tuesday, 10-8pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10-4pm, Sunday, 12-4pm. Admission is $8. for adults, $7. for seniors, $5. for children, under 2 is free, a family is $20. and there are special handicapped and group rates. The museum is available for rental and hosts many activities throughout the year. For information please call the museum at 203-577-2181.