If you are a car enthusiast, you will love the Canton Classic Car Museum. Located in Canton, Ohio, it is a hidden gem that should be on every car lover's bucket list. The museum boasts an impressive collection of classic cars, antique toys, vintage memorabilia, and much more. It is a fascinating journey through the automotive history of America.
The History of the Canton Classic Car Museum
The Canton Classic Car Museum was founded in 1978 by the late Marshall Belden Sr., a local businessman and car collector. He had a passion for automobiles and wanted to share his collection with the public. The museum started with just a few cars and has grown into one of the largest collections of classic cars in the country.
The Collection
The museum has over 45,000 square feet of exhibit space and houses over 300 classic cars and vintage vehicles. The collection includes cars from the early 1900s to the present day, with a focus on American-made cars. Some of the highlights of the collection include a 1913 Mercer Raceabout, a 1937 Packard V-12 limousine, and a 1966 Shelby Cobra.
In addition to cars, the museum also has a collection of antique toys, vintage clothing, and other memorabilia from the early 20th century. There is even a replica of a 1930s gas station, complete with vintage gas pumps and signage.
The Exhibits
The museum has several exhibits that showcase different aspects of the automotive industry. The "Early American Motors" exhibit features cars from the early 1900s, including a 1901 Oldsmobile and a 1915 Ford Model T. The "Packard Museum" exhibit focuses on the Packard Motor Car Company, which was one of the most prestigious car manufacturers in America during the early 20th century.
The museum also has a special exhibit dedicated to the Lincoln Highway, which was the first transcontinental highway in America. The exhibit features a 1915 Packard Twin-Six touring car and other artifacts from the early days of the highway.
The Facilities
The Canton Classic Car Museum has several facilities to enhance the visitors' experience. There is a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and memorabilia related to the museum. The museum also has a research library that contains over 10,000 books and magazines related to the automotive industry.
The museum has a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 500 people, making it an excellent venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The banquet hall has a vintage car collection on display, adding a touch of elegance and charm to any event.
The Special Events
The Canton Classic Car Museum hosts several special events throughout the year. The "Cruise-Ins" are a popular event where car enthusiasts can show off their classic cars and mingle with other car enthusiasts. The museum also hosts car shows, swap meets, and other events related to the automotive industry.
The Admission and Hours
The admission to the Canton Classic Car Museum is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $5 for children aged 6-18. Children under 6 are free. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from noon to 5 pm.
