Welcome to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, a place where you can take a journey back in time and be transported to the golden age of automobiles. Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, the museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 95 vehicles that highlight the history of cars in America. From classic cars to rare and unique models, this museum has something for every auto enthusiast, curious visitor, and history buff alike. Come join us as we explore the wonderful world of vintage cars and discover the stories behind these engineering marvels that have now become an integral part of American culture.
The Fascinating Collection at Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
If you’re a car enthusiast and looking for a unique experience to explore the history of automobiles, then the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska is the perfect place for you. This museum is not your typical museum featuring dusty and static displays. Instead, the museum takes you on a journey through time, showcasing over 85 rare and vintage vehicles and presenting a vision of the evolution of the automobile industry.
A Walk Through Time
Walking through the museum, the visitor is transported through time, from the era of horseless carriages to the beginnings of mass production and to the emergence of luxury vehicles. Some of the exceptional vehicles on display include a 1906 Compound Locomobile, a 1912 Arctic T, a 1929 Stutz, and a unique gold-plated 1930 Model J Duesenberg. Each car is meticulously curated with its own history and story to tell, making the experience both informative and exciting.
The Impact of Vehicles on Society
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is not just a collection of vehicles; it’s also an educational destination. The museum aims to educate visitors about the historical contexts and societal impact of the automobile industry, including its economic, social, and environmental aspects. Visitors can learn about the emergence of roads, the development of the automobile industry, the impact of automobiles on daily life, and other relevant subjects. The interactive exhibitions provide a great opportunity for visitors to explore how vehicles have changed the way we live, work, and travel.
Preserving History
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is committed to preserving and presenting the history and significance of each vehicle in the collection. The museum achieves this through several means, including meticulously restoring each car to its original condition. You can feel the passion and love of the staff and volunteers for the vehicles in the museum. They are working hard to preserve the automobiles from decay and neglect, and to maintain the vehicles’ original features, which is an essential aspect of the museum’s goal.
If you visit the museum, you will also see that every car at the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum has a distinct history, personality and, in many cases, a fascinating backstory. The museum’s primary goal is to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience that is both visually stunning and informative. It does an excellent job of achieving that goal by contextualizing the history of the automobile industry and showcasing rare, unreleased vehicles that allow visitors to connect with vehicles and their meanings to society through many different lenses.
In conclusion, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is an incredible museum that showcases the extensive history of the automobile industry. The museum provides a fascinating journey through time that educates, inspires, and ignites a passion for automobiles. If you love vintage cars and are in Alaska, visiting this museum should be on top of your to-do list.
The Museum’s Unique Exhibits and Programs
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska has an extensive collection of automobiles, from vintage models to rare cars. The museum is committed to preserving and showcasing automobiles that played a significant role in shaping America’s history. The museum offers a variety of unique exhibits and programs that give visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of automobile history.
Special Exhibits
The museum’s collection of automobiles is impressive, and it features rotating exhibits that showcase rare and unique vehicles. These exhibits highlight a range of topics, from the history of specific models to specific historical events. The museum is constantly updating its exhibits, making each visit to the museum a unique and exciting experience.
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the collection of horseless carriages. Guests can see how automobiles evolved from those early motorized horse carriages to the sleek and modern automobiles of today. The museum’s collection also includes classic cars from the 1920s and 1930s, muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s, and rare cars such as the Tucker 48 and the Continental Mark II.
Interactive Programs
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum offers a range of interactive programs that give visitors a chance to learn more about automobiles and their history. One popular program is the behind-the-scenes tour, where guests get a glimpse of the museum’s extensive collection and learn about the process of restoring vintage automobiles. This tour allows visitors to see how the museum preserves and restores the cars in its collection and provides insight into the care and maintenance involved in keeping these vintage cars in top condition.
The museum also offers restoration workshops, where visitors can learn more about the restoration process and even participate in the restoration of a vintage car. These workshops provide participants with a hands-on experience that gives them a deeper appreciation for the history of automobiles and their preservation.
Additionally, the museum’s education department offers programs for school groups, including automobile-themed classroom presentations and hands-on activities. These programs are designed to engage and educate students of all ages about automobile history, technology, and innovation.
Events and Activities
The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including car shows, educational tours, and family-friendly activities. One of the most popular events is the Midnight Sun Antique Auto Rally, an annual car show that attracts vintage car enthusiasts from all over the world. The rally features a variety of vintage cars, from classic models to rare and unique vehicles.
The museum also offers educational tours for school groups, senior centers, and organizations. These tours allow visitors to learn more about the history of automobiles and the museum’s collection in a fun and interactive way. Additionally, the museum hosts family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and interactive exhibits, making it a great place to bring the whole family.
In conclusion, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a unique destination that showcases the history of American automobiles. Visitors can see rare and unique vehicles and participate in interactive programs that provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of automobile history. With a variety of exhibits and programs for all ages, the museum is a must-visit destination in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Plan Your Visit to Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Location and Hours
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. It’s a unique museum that displays over eighty historically significant vehicles that date from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It’s situated on over twenty acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and features a wide variety of exhibits that focus on the history of automotive transportation. The museum is open year-round, but visiting during the summer months is highly recommended, as it allows you to take advantage of extended hours and additional programs that run during the busy season.
The address of the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is 212 Wedgewood Drive, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99701.
The hours of operation during the summer months (May-September) are from 9 am to 8 pm daily. During the winter months (October-April), the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 12 pm to 6 pm on weekends.
Ticket Pricing and Membership
If you’re interested in visiting the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum, there are a few options available for purchasing tickets. General admission tickets can be bought for $12 per person and are valid for one day. Kids under 6 are admitted free. Seniors and active military personnel are eligible for discounted ticket prices, and groups of 6 or more receive a 10% discount.
The museum also offers memberships for individuals, couples, and families, which provide discounted rates and exclusive benefits. Membership benefits include free admission to the museum, discounts on merchandise at the gift shop, and exclusive invitations to members-only events. Additionally, members have access to other museums and cultural institutions around the country that participate in reciprocal programs with the museum.
The cost of a basic individual membership is $60 per year, with options available for different levels of membership based on the number of people covered and additional benefits offered.
Accessibility and Amenities
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is proud to be wheelchair accessible. All areas of the museum are handicap accessible, including restrooms and parking lots. There are also a limited number of wheelchairs available for rent, free of charge.
The museum has a gift shop that sells a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including books, clothing, and other items related to the museum’s exhibits. There’s also a small cafe on-site that serves a variety of light snacks and beverages.
To enhance your visit, the museum offers guided tours that are included in the ticket price. The tours are conducted by knowledgeable and friendly staff members who are experts in the history of automotive transportation. The tours generally take about an hour and cover the main exhibits on display as well as some behind-the-scenes areas not open to the public.
In conclusion, if you’re a car enthusiast or just someone who enjoys learning about history and culture, the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is a must-visit destination in Fairbanks, Alaska. With its extensive collection of vintage vehicles and engaging exhibits, there’s something here for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience the wonder of one of Alaska’s most unique museums!