Tour of
Boyertown, PA
-Bahr's Mill
-B.A.S.H.
-Bear,Stadium
-Duryea Tour
-Library
-Museum
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-Music League
-Park & Pool
-Spaatz tribute
-Trinity Church

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The old factory buildings which were conveyed to the museum and include the original building constructed in 1872 as the Jeremiah Sweinhart Carriage Factory, will triple the floor space for new displays to 33,000 square feet. The larger space will enable the museum to display its more than 100 cars, trucks, and carriages, produced by the early vehicle craftsmen, in a better fashion, to the public.

Space is so cramped in the present building, which is the former Blacksmith shop, vehicles are literally bumper to bumper! With the completed renovations you would be able to see cars, trucks, and carriages in settings rather than just rows of them. The Boyertown Auto Body Works complex has been vacant since the company went out of business in 1990.

The Museum is seeking $642,000.00 to convert the old complex into its new setting-based museum. About half of the funds have been raised in cash pledges, including a $200,000.00 matching gift from Montgomery County resident Drew Lewis, a former secretary of the U. S. Department of Transportation.

work is scheduled to begin late this summer (1997) to restore the Carriage Shop to its original look, including the Blacksmith forges and woodworking machinery used by the wheelrights and carriage builders. Plans are to have the craftsmen work in the buildings during museum hours to allow patrons to see how carriages and early automobiles were manufactured. Live demonstrations may also be done in other areas of the new museum, including the truck body manufacturing.

The bulk of the funds are expected to come from large companies that produce automotive parts and equipment. Some other sources include collector car enthusiasts and philanthropic organizations.

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