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June 2026 | Volume 210

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AACA.ORG

EVENTS

STORE

FORUMS

LIBRARY

AACA National Staff


CEO

Steve Moskowitz

 

Membership & Merchandise

Karen White


Office Admin,

Membership Assistant

Kate Stover

 

Accounting, IT & Website

Pat Buckley

 

National Activities & PR

Stacy Zimmerman


Marketing & Advertising

Speedster Editor

Chrissy Arnold


Antique Automobile Magazine Editor

West Peterson


Office Admin, Regions & Chapters, Insurance

Susan Eitnier 


Operations, Awards, Car Signs

Jon Curtis




AACA Library Staff


Director

Jen Wolfe


Librarian & Volunteer Coordinator

Matthew Hocker


Librarian & Outreach Coordinator

Amoi Goldman


Librarian

Jim Kapoun

QUICK LINKS:

AACA Website

AACA Library

AACA Forums

AACA Merchandise

AACA Judging Guidelines

AACA National Headquarters

800 W. Hersheypark Dr.

Hershey, PA 17033

A Busy Season for AACA Members

By Chrissy Arnold, Speedster Editor

carnold@aaca.org

If there is one word that captures this point in the AACA calendar, it is momentum. From the Eastern Spring Nationals wrapping up to a full slate of summer and fall events ahead, there are more opportunities than ever to get involved, reconnect with fellow members, and enjoy the hobby we all care about.


Right now, we are in a critical stretch for registrations as major events hit immediate deadlines. Today, June 30, is the absolute last day to register for the 2026 Founders Tour in Williamsburg, Virginia—don't miss this historic run celebrating America's 250th anniversary. If you are heading to the Central Spring Nationals in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the registration deadline has been extended to July 1. Let's give Green Bay a spectacular turnout for our first-ever Nationals there!



Meanwhile, enthusiasm for the Grand Nationals in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has been staggering. Vehicle registration is officially sold out after hitting our 500-car limit. While that response is exciting, it serves as a reminder to plan ahead and secure your spot early for future events.


Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to participate even if you aren't showing a car. Judging, volunteering, or attending as a spectator all play an important role in making these meets successful. In fact, with demand exceptionally high for judges at the Grand Nationals, stepping in to help on the field is one of the most meaningful ways you can contribute right now.


Behind the scenes, we are working hard to improve your membership experience with a brand-new, user-friendly online store. The redesigned platform will make browsing and ordering your favorite AACA merchandise easier than ever. Stay tuned for the official launch, or visit store.aaca.org to sign up for updates.


Finally, I want to highlight the incredible work being done at the local level. This month, we are featuring the Fort Lauderdale Region. Inspired by our National Convention, they launched a hands-on restoration project with a donated 1915 Model T Touring car and a local Boy Scout troop. It is a perfect blueprint for how local chapters can actively pass the torch to young enthusiasts.


That same spirit carries into July’s Collector Car Appreciation Day. Whether you attend a show, go for a drive, or introduce someone new to the hobby, even small actions help keep our community growing. Don’t forget that our half‑year membership option makes it easier than ever to bring in new enthusiasts.


As always, Speedster reflects what you, the members, are doing out in the field. Your events, stories, and experiences keep this newsletter relevant and engaging. If you have something to share, I encourage you to send it in.


Have a wonderful, safe Fourth of July!


Everyone here at AACA National Headquarters and the AACA Board of Directors wishes you a happy, healthy and safe Independence Day!


Please note that National Headquarters and the Library will be closed Friday, July 3, so the staff can enjoy the long holiday weekend with their families.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities. Renew online now.

Take an Amazing Race Through History to Celebrate America 250!

LAST DAY TO REGISTER!!

September 9-14, 2026

Founders Tour

Williamsburg, VA

Registration Deadline: June 30

Brochure - Register online

Note: Tour is limited to 100 vehicles manufactured between 1932 and 2001.


Come celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our country’s founding by touring the land where America was born. Click here for more details on each day’s activities. You do not want to miss this tour!!


Host Hotel:

DoubleTree by Hilton, 50 Kingsmill Rd, Williamsburg, VA

1-800-774-1500, group code AACA

Book Online: group.doubletree.com/9k2vx8

Reservation deadline: August 15


Questions?

Tour Co-Chairs:

Scott Dayton, smdayton40@gmail.com, 757-303-0650

Greg Smith, greg.smith.va@gmail.com, 757-352-8093


Registration Chair:

Pete Romeo, 462weaponschief@gmail.com, 757-503-3533

LAST CHANCE to Register for Green Bay!!

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July 22-26, 2026

Central Spring Nationals

Green Bay, WI

Registration Deadline Extended: July 1

Brochure - Register online

Register online to judge


This is the first ever AACA Nationals in the beautiful city of Green Bay, Wisconsin. It is a city rich in culture and diversity. A city that has rolled out the red carpet for the AACA.


Special Note: Members who receive a First Junior in Green Bay can bring their cars to the Minnesota show in 2027 to try for a Senior Award. Then members can come back to Green Bay in July 2028 for a dual meet with Grand Nationals and Zenith cars. This makes it easy for members to stay close to our area and avoid traveling so far east to earn their car awards.


Host Hotel:

Tundra Lodge, 865 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54304

920-405-8700, ask for AACA rate

Room includes $10 daily breakfast if you show your AACA badge


Questions?

Chairman: Russ Walker, russellswalker@aol.com, 920-819-1407

Registration: Kim Gardner, rmmusic@comcast.net

AACA Grand Nationals / Zenith Awards SOLD OUT!!

Grand Nationals in Allentown, PA NB Center

August 19-22, 2026

AACA Grand Nationals/Zenith Awards

The NB Center in Allentown, PA

Brochure


The nation’s best of the best are heading to the AACA Grand Nationals. Experience stunning restorations, rare classics, and the passion that drives our hobby.


The Thursday and Friday evening events for the Grand Nationals are sold out. We have also reached the 500 car limit for the show, so vehicle registration has been closed. 


Tickets are still available for the Saturday night Awards Banquet. If interested, please contact Pat Buckley at pbuckley@aaca.org or 717-534-1910 and make sure to include your name and member number. If you purchase banquet tickets, you will also be able to sign up for the Friday NB Center Open House sessions.


We sincerely apologize to those members who wanted to participate in this event but were not able to register in time. Please still consider joining us for the show on Saturday to enjoy all of the great cars and The NB Center – just remember to bring your AACA membership card along so you can enter for free! Non-members will be asked to donate $5 to the America on Wheels Museum. This is a visitor policy of The NB Center, not the AACA.


Discounted rooms are still available at:

Moxy Allentown Downtown

949 W. Hamilton St, Allentown, PA 18101 (12 minutes from the NB Center)

Rooms available Wednesday, Aug 19 to Sunday, Aug 23:

King, Queen or 2-Queen, $109

Book now

80th Anniversary of the Revival AAA Glidden Tour®

Come Celebrate with Us!

80th Revival AAA Glidden Tour. September 21-26, 2026. The First State Tour. Hosted by AAA, AACA, and VMCCA.

September 21-26, 2026

80th Revival AAA Glidden Tour®

Dover, Delaware

Registration Deadline: August 1

Brochure - Register online

Note: Tour is limited to 150 vehicles manufactured prior to 1943.

 

The AACA Board of Directors, VMCCA and AAA invite you to join us for more than 500 miles of touring around The First State of Delaware to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Revival AAA Glidden Tour®. Be sure to take a look at all of the tour highlights here.

 

Host Hotel:

Bally's Dover, 1131 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

Rates: Monday – Thursday $79++; Friday $149++; Saturday $159++

(++ resort fees & hotel taxes)

Group Code: GAACA26

Phone: 1-800-711-5882

Online Booking: tinyurl.com/BallysDoverGlidden

Hotel Reservation Deadline: August 22, 2026


Special Note About Your Hotel Reservations: This tour runs from Monday to Saturday. The discounted hotel room block also runs Monday to Saturday. If you would like to check in on Sunday, September 20, you will need to book that night as a separate reservation. Then ask them to put a note on your reservations that you are to stay in the same room for both. If you run into any issues booking your hotel room, please contact Stacy Zimmerman at szimmerman@aaca.org or 717-534-1910.

 

Questions?

Chairman: Dave Anspach, 484-769-7856 (cell & text), AACAdave1054@yahoo.com

Registrar: Vince DeLisi, 908-803-1570 (cell & text), vincentdelisi@comcast.net

REMINDER: Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities. Renew online now.

AACA Grand Nationals/Zenith Awards* (Allentown, PA) - August 20-22, 2026


500 vehicles are registered for the show! Only 87 field judges are signed up!!

We NEED YOU desperately!! Please sign up TODAY!!



If you are just coming to judge and would like to tour The NB Center during the Friday Open House, we will make sure you are on the list. Just email Pat Buckley at pbuckley@aaca.org and let her know if you would like to attend Session #1 (9am-12pm) or Session #2 (1-4pm).

*Must have 10 field judging credits

Your printed newsletter is on its way to your mailbox right now, but here is a sneak peek at a digital version of The Judge – July 2026.


This newsletter contains the judge registration forms for the Grand Nationals in Allentown, PA, and the Hershey show. Or you can always register online here.

MEET RESULTS

THANK YOU to all of the volunteers, judges, AACA Board, AACA staff, and all of our wonderful members who participated in the following events! And a very special THANK YOU to the Shannock Valley Region and Volunteer Region for doing such a great job hosting!


Congratulations to all of our winners!!

Eastern Spring Nationals • Indiana, PA • May 30, 2026

Southeastern Fall Nationals • Oak Ridge, TN • June 13, 2026

Photos courtesy of AACA member Joel Goldman

Be sure to read the official recap articles in an upcoming issue of Antique Automobile magazine.

Do You Have an Official AACA Car Sign for Your Next Show?

Deadline to order for Grand Nationals in Allentown, PA is July 17!

The only official AACA recommended car show sign intended for use at AACA events. Styled similarly to other Concours signs, when properly weighted or staked would limit potential damage to vehicles if bumped or blown. Signs are 16.5" tall and 12" wide and are made of hard plastic to withstand the elements. These signs are only available to AACA members and are custom created to tell your vehicle's story and history.

Cost: $45 plus shipping and handling. Image(s): $5 each. PA residents pay sales tax.

Please allow 4-5 weeks for the entire process from start to finish.

THIS ISSUE SPONSORED BY METZGER PROPERTY SERVICES

Phenomenal Lifetime Collection of the Ray & Karen Parker Trust Auction

Saturday, July 25, 2026 • 10 am

Auction Location: 10118 E. 450 S., LaOtto, IN 46763

Bid In Person or Online at www.BidMetzger.com

Headlining this exceptional auction is a remarkable lineup of classic and collector automobiles, led by Auburn and Cord vehicles—including a rare Auburn 8-88 Steel-Wheeled Sedan, currently on display at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum—alongside Ford Model Ts, a Deluxe Coupe, Corvette, Mullins trailers, and an impressive selection of rare collector car parts. This is one of the first times in over 40 years that 5 ACD cars belonging to One Collection have been offered!

Metzger Auction

This premier automotive offering is complemented by an outstanding lineup of early steam power & agricultural equipment, featuring Case and Nichols-Shepard steam traction engines, hit-and-miss engines, buckboards, steel-wheeled wagons, and primitives. The auction continues with a substantial selection of tractors, farm equipment, shop tools, a 3,000-bushel grain bin with dryer, a 2,000-gallon LP tank, Firearms, Native Lumber and architectural salvage.



Rounding out this diverse sale is a richly curated collection of ornate antiques, fine glassware and pottery, over 40 Victrolas, Jukeboxes, Wurlitzer Band Organ, and Phonographs, outstanding crockery, cast iron, vintage toys, and an engaging assortment of advertising signage, store displays, and railroad collectibles. This exceptional offering presents something of interest for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts alike—don’t miss this unique opportunity & Exceptional Auction!

Trivia Question

While performers have been known to “sing for their supper,” who became recognized for singing for his car collection?

Please scroll all the way to the end of Speedster to find the answer.

HERSHEY 2026

How Do I Get Hershey Registration Materials?

October 6-9, 2026. Hershey 2026. Hershey Region AACA Eastern Fall Meet. Where American freedom meets automotive history.

Summer registration for Hershey is finally here!!! 


Brochure

Show Car Registration ONLY


To acquire Flea Market or Car Corral space(s), or a paper Show Car registration form, you must contact AACA National Headquarters by:

  • MAILING the Activity Request Card enclosed in the plastic covering of the May/June issue of your Antique Automobile magazine to 800 W. Hersheypark Dr., Hershey, PA 17033.
  • EMAILING your name, member number and which registration materials you want (flea market, car corral, and/or show car) to Sue Eitnier at seitnier@aaca.org.
  • CALLING National at 717-534-1910 and staff will be glad to put your request in for registration materials.

 

Please DO NOT send any money at this time. You are simply requesting that registration materials be mailed to you.

 

The first mailing of requested registration materials will be sent the first week of July. After that, requested registration materials will be mailed on a daily basis. We recommend that you fill out your registration card(s), write your check and mail everything back to the Hershey Region immediately so that you do not forget/lose it/miss the strict August 15 deadline.

 

Important 2026 Hershey Reminders

  • Show will run Tuesday, October 6 through Friday, October 9
  • Flea Market set-up will be Monday, October 5
  • Judging School will be Thursday, October 8, at 2 p.m.
  • Judges Breakfast will be Friday, October 9, at 7 a.m.
  • Car show will be Friday, October 9

Discounted Room Rate at the Hershey Lodge

Thanks once again to our partnership with RM Sotheby’s, we are able to offer all of you a discounted rate at the Hershey Lodge during the 2026 Eastern Fall Nationals happening October 6-9. The auction will back again, and the special room block is already set up. The discounted room rate is $308 a night. Selling out this room block is the best way we can ensure that the auction remains a part of our event. So, if you are ready to make your reservations for this year and have always wanted to stay at the Hershey Lodge, now’s your chance!


Book your reservations online: visit this link and use password AACA2026 (all caps)

Or call 855-729-3108 and ask for the room block for RM Sotheby’s, October 4-8, 2026.

Hershey Lodge

AACA LIBRARY & RESEARCH CENTER

Right On the Beaten Path

By Jen Wolfe, AACA Library Director

jwolfe@aaca.org

“Are y’all open to the public? What…what is this place? Honey! They’ve got cars in here!”

“I’ve lived in Hershey for 20 years and drive past your building every week on my way to work. I tell myself I should stop in and see what you have going on in here.”

“Our daughter has a procedure today at the Hershey Medical Center, and we’re looking for something to do while we wait.”

Every summer, tourists and locals alike come through our doors – sometimes on purpose, other times by accident, and some occasionally on their way to getting lost in the winding maze that is the Hershey industrial complex.

 

Regardless of how they find us, library and headquarters staff go out of our way to make each visitor feel welcome while taking the opportunity to show them what we do here. Not every person who walks through our doors magically turns into a car enthusiast (though wouldn’t that be great?), but we energetically engage with people to show them that we truly have something for everyone to enjoy here.

 

One of the advantages to our facility being on Hersheypark Drive is that our location puts us right in the path of those coming and going from the outlet mall, Hersheypark, the stadium, the Giant Center, and Chocolate World. That’s a serious lineup to be associated with, especially during the summer vacation months. The AACA Library wants to be a destination point on your itinerary during your next visit to Central Pennsylvania. While certainly not the only automotive archive in the country, we are one of the only ones open to the public. For free.

AACA Atrium Lobby

We’re open every day during the week, enjoy a full staff, plenty of parking, and provide the perfect way to get a little taste of each piece of the old car hobby. We’re not just an automobile exhibit, or a document archive, or a library research center…we’re all of them. You want to see cars? We got ‘em. You’re into old documents? BOOM – two archive rooms full of millions of items. Fine art and artifacts aficionado? Every wall and hallway is filled with artwork, exhibits, and interactive displays. Video game nerd whose only interest in cars are the ones you drive virtually on your gaming console? We. Have. Those. Too.

 

No membership needed. No charge at the door. No age restrictions.

 

We’re happy to be the place people stop at while on their way somewhere else. We love that students use our Reading Room to study when the local public library isn’t open. We rise to the occasion of giving families a distraction while waiting for a loved one in the hospital down the road. And we want you to come on purpose too.

 

It’s as true as it ever was – come for the cars, stay for the people.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with the AACA Library?

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator Matthew Hocker

at mhocker@aaca.org or 717-534-2082.

 

Interested in doing research with the AACA Library?

More information is available on our website.

Visit AACA Library or contact our Reference Librarian, Amoi Goldman.

agoldman@aaca.org717-534-2082

 

Visit our Booth at Black Swan Antiquities

REGION HAPPENINGS

How the Fort Lauderdale Region is Inspiring the Next Generation

by Chrissy Arnold, Speedster Editor

with contributions from Dirk DeJong, President, Fort Lauderdale Region AACA

Photos by Gary Curreri/New Pelican

How do we pass the torch of the collector car hobby to the next generation? It’s a question every region asks, but the Fort Lauderdale Region recently found a brilliant, hands-on answer: a 1915 Ford Model T Touring car, a local Boy Scout troop, and a passion for preservation.



The spark for the initiative came right from the 2026 AACA National Convention. Inspired by a breakout session focused on youth engagement, Fort Lauderdale Region President Dirk DeJong returned home with a mission. After brainstorming with his board, the pieces quickly fell into place—starting with the perfect project car.


Generously donated by Tom and Tim Sheehan, the 1915 Model T carried a rich history. Their father, Sherwood, had originally rescued the car from a chicken coop right here in Pennsylvania. The family was thrilled to see their father's legacy become a teaching tool for the future.


To turn the donation into a learning experience, DeJong developed a formal, light-restoration curriculum. The region then partnered with local vocational schools and a local Boy Scout troop (connected through the region's youngest board member, an Eagle Scout).


The project officially kicked off on May 16, 2026, with an "unveiling" day. Students rolled up their sleeves and began by cleaning away years of dust, revealing a vehicle in outstanding, solid condition.

Currently housed in a local warehouse, the Model T is serving as a living classroom. Under the guidance of region members, the students are doing the heavy lifting to make the car safely drivable—learning everything from basic maintenance to installing a completely new wiring harness. The hobby community has already rallied behind them, too, with Coker Tire donating a fresh set of Firestone tires and tubes to the cause.


For these modern students, the vintage Ford is an eye-opener. The absolute simplicity of a Model T stands in stark contrast to the computer-heavy, screen-filled cars they see every day. By working on it, they aren't just learning mechanical skills; they are connecting directly with history.

Blueprint for Your Region


The Fort Lauderdale Region’s success didn't happen by accident, but it is a model that any AACA region can replicate. If your region is looking to spark youth interest, consider their roadmap:


  • Look for a teaching tool: A simple, approachable vehicle (like a Model T or A) is less intimidating for beginners and highly rewarding to work on.
  • Leverage existing youth networks: Partner with organizations that already value hands-on skills, like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, or local high school automotive programs.
  • Build a structured plan: Giving students clear, manageable goals—like a "clean-up day" followed by specific mechanical milestones—keeps them engaged and moving forward.


As Dirk DeJong puts it, passing this knowledge forward is imperative to preserving the hobby we love.


What could your region accomplish with an old garage find and a group of eager local students?

MEMBER STORY

Daisy Chained His Heart

By Linda Mattes-Golding, Chugiak, AK


Old-car enthusiasts who live in the northern United States understand the challenges of cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls, icy roads, and a short driving season.


In September or October, most members of the Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska put their classic and/or antique cars into garages, shops, and storage units for the winter. Most that is, except for Lester “Blacky” Black.

         

Blacky and wife Martie already owned two Model As. But in the summer of 2025, when Blacky laid eyes on a yellow 1930 Model A Coupe, he was smitten. He fell head-over-heels in love; he had to have her! The vehicle had been called “Rooster,” but Blacky felt that the car reminded him of a daisy flower and re-christened her “Daisy.”

         

Daisy is parked outside all winter long and has never failed to start (with a little coaxing at times), even in the bitterly cold temperatures experienced in Anchorage this winter. Blacky installed chains on the tires, which have helped to keep the car moving in this season’s near-record snowfalls.

         

He drives her nearly every day, to the grocery store, to weekly meetings of the Model A group (called “Thirsty Thursdays” or “Thirstdays”), or just to take a spin downtown with Martie and their dogs Tobias and Sophie. Daisy and her driver also had the honor of carrying our Club’s banner as the lead car in the mid-winter Fur Rendezvous Parade.

         

Daisy never fails to delight Blacky and always brings a smile to those of us who are lucky enough to see her on the road.

We are always looking to feature articles from AACA members in Speedster. We'd love to share your personal accounts of tours and shows you have attended, restoration projects, unique vehicle stories and history, and any other stories you think other AACA members would enjoy hearing about.

 

Stories should average 500 words or less. And we love photos, so make sure to include some! Please send your photos and stories to Chrissy Arnold

Collector Car Appreciation Day is July 10

How Will YOU Celebrate?

This year marks the 17th consecutive commemoration in what is now an annual holiday to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

 

I know every day is Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) for many of us but having a specific day when EVERYONE is celebrating brings visibility to our hobby and reinforces the importance of old cars. Now, if you can’t celebrate on July 10th, that’s okay – just make sure you set aside some time during the month of July to do something special.

 

Here are just a few ideas on how to celebrate Collector Car Appreciation Day:

 

1. Organize or attend a car show.

Organize a car show and invite local collectors and admirers to come together and celebrate the beauty of collector cars. Make sure there are awards and prizes in place. No time to plan a show? Then just find one to go to and/or participate in.

 

2. Take a drive.

Simply take a drive in your collector car. Head out on an open road adventure and enjoy the scenery or take a scenic route for some sightseeing. Either way, it's sure to be a memorable experience.

 

3. Visit a classic car museum.

Visit a classic car museum and admire the beauty of these historic vehicles. Learn about the history of each car and get up close to see them in all their glory.

 

4. Join a collector car club or sign up a friend for a $25 half-year AACA membership.

Join a collector car club and meet other enthusiasts like yourself. Meet up with other members for events, car shows, and more. Already belong to enough clubs (AACA being the best one, of course!)? Why not sign up a friend who you think would enjoy all the benefits AACA has to offer?

 

5. Restore an old car/work on your current project.

If you're feeling ambitious, why not restore an old car? Find an old classic and spend time restoring it to its original glory. It's sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

 

Help promote this special day by posting on social media using the hashtags #CCAD and #AACA. If your Region/Chapter is having an activity for Collector Car Appreciation Day, please share a few sentences and photos with us so we can publish them in Speedster. Send them to Chrissy at carnold@aaca.org

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Sign Up a New Member for Only $25

By Karen White, AACA Membership Manager, kwhite@aaca.org


Do you want to help promote AACA membership? There is no better time than right now!


New members can join the club for only $25 for the second half of the 2026 membership year, covering June through December. New members will receive three issues of Antique Automobile magazine (July/August, September/October, and November/December). They will also be eligible to participate in national shows and tours.


To show your support for AACA, you can sponsor a new member by covering the $25 fee. It is quick and easy to apply online.


Be sure to include a note with your name and member number in the comment field at the bottom of the online form indicating that you are sponsoring the new member. You will receive an “I Got a Member” pin to proudly wear at your next AACA event, showing that you helped promote the club.


If you have any questions regarding the half-year membership program, feel free to contact me.


If you prefer to mail a check, use this application form.

2027 ANNUAL CONVENTION

2027 AACA Annual Convention

2027 AACA Annual Convention Call for Speakers

February 4-6 – King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Have you ever thought about speaking or putting on a seminar at the Annual Convention? Well, now's your chance! If you would like to be a possible speaker, please fill out this form and send it in no later than September 15.


Have an idea for a workshop? What topics would you like to hear a panel of experts discuss? This is YOUR Annual Convention, and we want to know what you want to learn about. Please email Stacy with your seminar ideas and/or speaker suggestions (membership, leadership, chapters/regions, marketing, cars, technical, fun, historical, ladies-focused, etc.).

ATTENTION: REGIONS & CHAPTERS

Car Show Season is Here! Is YOUR Region/Chapter Prepared? 

When your region or chapter holds a local car show, that is your best opportunity to recruit new members. The people attending your show are there because they already have an interest in antique cars. If your event is open to non-members, those who have registered and are showing their cars are already willing to participate. These are the folks you should be engaging about how much you enjoy being an AACA member and that they should think about joining.


Now, don’t be caught empty-handed at this point! Make sure your region/chapter has something to hand out to potential new members. When you are planning your event, be sure to reach out to National Headquarters to get a supply of materials to help you.


All of these items are available to you at no charge:

-- AACA National Membership Brochure

-- AACA National Membership Application

-- Camaro Car Cutouts

-- AACA National Military Membership Application


To request a supply of these items, please email Karen and include your region, address where you would like the items mailed to and the date of your event.

$3,000-$5,000 Grants Available to Regions Hosting National Activities



The AACA National Board of Directors realizes that the financial risk involved with hosting a national show or tour has caused many regions and chapters to be hesitant to volunteer to host a national event. Some regions simply do not have the funds available to even think about hosting.

 

The board has approved a grant program for any region receiving board approval to host a national event. A national car show must not have been hosted for more than ten years. There is no time restriction on national tours, but tours must include a minimum of 30 cars.


Here's how it breaks down:

  • $5,000 grants available to regions hosting national car shows
  • $5,000 grants available to regions hosting national 5-day tours
  • $3,000 grants available to regions hosting national 3-day tours


There are many opportunities to host one of these events. We have Winter Nationals available and will schedule up to three years in advance. Spring and Fall National shows are available to schedule for Eastern, Southeastern, Central and Western Divisions, also up to 3 years in advance.

 

Touring events share the same opportunities. Founders Tour, Sentimental Tour, Vintage Tour, Reliability Tour, Glidden Tour and all four Divisional Tours have available openings for your region to reserve for up to three years in advance.

 

For more information, please contact Greg Jackson, VP National Activities, at greg.jackson15@outlook.com or 704-408-6217.

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to host a national event. Take advantage of this special grant program while the National Board has this offer available!

Check out these offers and more by visitng our AACA MemberDeals site.

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As a thank you for your longtime passion and dedication to the automotive hobby, AACA awards members who have been in the club for 50* years or more with a commemorative 50-year pin. 


Receive your pin at an AACA Nationals or region event, or by mail.



Email Jon Curtis at JCurtis@AACA.org to verify your eligibility.

*Membership years do not have to be consecutive

Looking for a simple way to stay active and connected each week?


Hello by Grouper is included with your AACA membership and offers easy ways to build healthy habits into your routine — whether it’s a quick class, a midweek check-in, or trying something new over the weekend.


There’s no right way to get started. Just find what works for you.


Join the community today: join.hellogrouper.com/aaca 

Know a Military Veteran Who Would Like to be an AACA Member?

The Military Membership Program is available to Military Veterans that have proudly served to protect our homeland and freedoms. With this program, AACA is extending complimentary 2026 memberships for first-time AACA applicants. More information on this program and an application can be found on the AACA website under Membership and drop down to Military Program, or simply click here.


These complimentary 2026 memberships are for first-time AACA applicants. These complimentary applications for membership are intended for individuals who have a genuine interest in the antique car hobby.

 

Don’t forget to sign up to get information about ongoing legislative issues affecting the car hobby directly from our partner SEMA!

WE APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK

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AACA hosts online forums! AACA hosts a massive online forum area on our website that you can read and/or join in on the conversations on all sorts of topics. People post some really interesting material and pictures on an everyday basis. If you haven't used the forums before, just use the sign-up button in the upper right corner to create your user account. Anyone can join the online forums and it's completely free.

AACA has Facebook! AACA has an official Facebook page for club information and events. We also have an extremely active Facebook group, where group members post, ask questions and discuss everything and anything car-related. LIKE our Facebook page and ask to JOIN our Facebook groupour Facebook group. Don't forget to connect with the AACA Library on their official Facebook page as well.

AACA is on Instagram! @antiqueautomobileclubofamerica 

Be sure to use these hashtags: #DrivingHistory, #AACA, #AntiqueAutomobileClubofAmerica, #Hershey, #AACAHershey, #AACAproud, #AACAstrong

Trivia Answer

Popular operatic singer, James Melton (1904 – 1961), amassed a 100+ car collection, which he housed in Norwalk, Connecticut, and later moved to Hypoluxo, Florida, where he grew up. According to his daughter, Margo Melton Nutt, “In each new town on his concert tours, when newspaper reporters were through interviewing him, he’d ask them if they knew where any old cars were.” On more than one occasion, an antique car transaction included a personal performance for the owner.

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AACA National Activities Calendar


July 23-25, 2026

Central Spring Nationals

Green Bay, WI

Registration Deadline: July 1

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Register online

Register online to judge


August 19-22, 2026

Grand Nationals/Zenith

Allentown, PA

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September 9-14, 2026

Founders Tour

Williamsburg, VA

Registration Deadline: June 30

Brochure

Register online

Note: Tour is limited to 100 vehicles manufactured between 1932 and 2001.


September 21-26, 2026

80th Revival AAA Glidden Tour® (AACA)

Dover, DE

Brochure

Register online


October 6-9, 2026

Eastern Fall Nationals

Hershey, PA

Show Car Registration Open Now

Brochure

Register online

Register online to judge

This list is subject to change. New events may be added to the schedule. Continue to watch Speedster for up-to-date information, changes and additions.

Would you like registration information and materials about any of these National Activities? You can:


1. Fill out and return the activity request card that came with your last issue of Antique Automobile magazine.

 

2. Sign into the member area of the AACA website with your member number and PIN to complete your registration online and pay via credit card.

(If you don’t remember your member number and your PIN, give AACA Headquarters a call, and we can provide you with that information.)

 

3. Email Sue with your name, member number and the event to have registration materials mailed to you.



REMINDER:

Your 2026 membership dues MUST be paid prior to registering for any 2026 National Activities.

If you request registration materials for a show or tour and those materials are not finalized and printed yet, you will be put on the mailing list to receive them as soon as they are available. 

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Antique Automobile Club of America

AACA.org | 717-534-1910

America’s Premiere Resource for the Collectible Vehicle Community

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The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community. Since its formation in 1935, the Club, through its national office, publications, and membership, aids individuals, museums, libraries, historians and collectors dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of automotive history.