The William E. Swigart Automobile Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit museum dedicated to the preservation of the American automobile history. Our remarkable collections have existed for more than 85 years, beginning as a private passion of our founder W. Emmert Swigart. His son, William E. Swigart, Jr., fell under the spell of these wonderful machines and built up the collection to about 150 cars, of which 30 to 35 are on display at the museum at one time. Some are one-of-a-kind such as the 1936 Duesenberg 12 cylinder Gentlemen’s Speedster, the 1920 Carroll, and the 1916 Scripps-Booth. The Swigart Museum is the only automobile museum in the country where visitors can see two Tuckers, the 1947 “Tin Goose” Prototype and #1013.

The museum is accented with even more history. The automotive license plate and radiator emblem collections are believed to be the largest in the world. Automobile lights and horns, bicycles, toys, vintage clothing, and memorabilia are on display throughout the museum. In addition, a gift shop stocked with automobile related products for young and old alike makes a visit to the William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum a uniquely entertaining and educational experience for all members of the family.

The museum is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October.


Register for the 2012 Swigart Meet! August 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2012

Ford Mustang accessories at American Muscle

Click for Our Message Board

The William E. Swigart Jr. Automobile Museum Meet

August 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2012

The William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum Meet is an antique automobile event held in Huntingdon, PA, at the museum and surrounding area. With a variety of events, the meet is an outing to be enjoyed by the entire family. The meet is held the second weekend of August. This year our 43nd meet will be held on August 10th, 11th, and 12th. The main event, the car show, will take place on Saturday the 11th, from 8:30a to 4:30p, at the museum. Seminars to discuss automobiles and open discussions about the museum and other topics will be encouraged. The meet includes numerous car exhibits, automobile judging, gatherings of members and participants, an ice cream social, garage tours, a church service and several good meals. Museum members and registered participants may enter vehicles, have their vehicles judged, and attend all meet events.

The meet is co-hosted by The William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum and the Allegheny Mountain Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America. During the meet, the William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum admission fee will be half price for Saturday. During the tour of the museum, you will see many one-of-a-kind vehicles, two Tuckers, a Mora, “Herbie the Love Bug”, a Fisher Price collection, bicycles and high-wheelers, a large collection of license plates, name badges, automobile horns, and other memorabilia. Whether you want to participate in the entire event or just a day, we are certain you will enjoy yourself, meet automobile aficionados, and see many collectible vehicles. Our registration form is online, or you may call our office at 814.643.2024 for further information.

2012 SWIGART MEET REGISTRATION FORM

CLICK HERE for the William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum Membership form

Junior Membership (Age 6-16): $15.00
• Unlimited personal admission to the museum
• Invitation to "Members Only" events
• The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" newsletter

Regular Membership: $30.00
• Unlimited personal admission to the museum
• Invitation to "Members Only" events
• The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" newsletter

Senior Couples Membership (60+): $50.00
• Unlimited personal admission to the museum
• 10% off Gift Shop items for the entire season
• Invitation to "Members Only" events
• The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" newsletter

Family Membership: $100.00
• Unlimited personal admission to the museum
• Membership includes up to 2 adults and 2 children (under 18)
• 10% off Gift Shop items for the entire season
• Invitation to "Members Only" events
• The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" newsletter

Museum Supporter Membership: $500.00
• Unlimited personal admission to the museum
• Six one-time Museum Guest admission passes
• The name of your choosing on the Museum Plaque
• 15% off Gift Shop items for the entire season
• One Gift Certificate to our gift shop for Family Membership ($100 value)
• Invitation to "Members Only" events
• The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" newsletter

Museum Patron Membership: $1000.00
• Unlimited personal admission to the museum
• Ten one-time Museum Guest admission passes
• The name of your choosing on the Museum Plaque
• 20% off Gift Shop items for the entire season
• Two Gift Certificates to our gift shop for Family Membership ($200 value)
• One Private Group tour of the Museum for up to ten persons (must be prearranged with Museum Staff)
• Extended use of the Museum grounds for one Private Event per season; Patron may use the Museum building and/or grounds for conducting a private event subject to certain restrictions; Museum will provide one staff member to assist
• Invitation to "Members Only" events
• The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" newsletter


Even if you do not wish to become a member you can still support the efforts of the "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" by making a tax-free donation.
The "William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit museum dedicated to preserve the history of the American automobile.

All memberships are for one calendar year with benefits beginning in January. All members receive admission to the museum during the open season from Memorial Day through October 31.

RM AUCTIONS
VINTAGE CARS OF HERSHEY
2007

William E. Swigart, Jr. originally created the “Swigart Museum” in 1957 with the intent to develop and grow a collection of vintage, antique cars and memorabilia, which his father, and he had collected over many years, and to share them with the public on a long-term basis.

In January 1999, William E. Swigart, Jr., while he was still alive, formed the William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum, a qualified public, 501(c) (3) charitable organization. His estate plan provided for the conveyance of all the Swigart Museum assets to this new entity to be available for the current and future public enjoyment.

Unfortunately, the collection became the subject of extensive litigation between William and the beneficiaries of the Estate of Helen F. Swigart, his wife who previously died in 1991. Pursuant to such litigation, the Huntingdon County Court of Common Pleas, with 50% of the assets retained by the Estate of William E. Swigart, Jr. and 50% distributed to the Estate of Helen F. Swigart, ordered a division of Museum assets.

Those vehicles acquired by the Estate of Helen F. Swigart were sold through the RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction in October 2007.

Many individuals who either attended the auction or saw advertisements, or press releases thereon, stated they were under the impression the sale proceeds benefited the current William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum.

The William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum received none of the proceeds from such sale. Rather, the Estate of Helen F. Swigart retained all sale proceeds, and the Museum is not a beneficiary of such Estate.

We regret the loss of 60 vehicles pursuant to such sale. However, the Museum is extremely delighted to have retained 100% of the memorabilia and 101 cars for the public’s continuing enjoyment.

In addition, there were several significant vehicles, which were acquired by William subsequent to Helen’s death, which were not the subject of litigation and, which are now included in the Museum’s collection.

Automobile Museums:

National Association of Automobile Museums

Aughwick Creek Antique Tractor Show - Annual Antique Tractor Show

Local Attractions and Visitor Information:

Huntingdon County Visitor's Bureau for local lodging and dining options or to request a county visitor's guide

Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce for additional information on local businesses and local activities

Broad Top Coal Miners Museum

Rockhill Trolley Museum

East Broad Top Railroad

Friends of the East Broad Top Railroad

Lincoln Caverns