The Rochester Auto Museum (RAM) announced it’s official opening weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 17 and 18. On Saturday, the museum launched a private opening to host the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20, followed by the official public opening on Sunday.
What started as the private collection of Rochester businessman Bob Bartosiewicz has grown into a walkable time machine of auto history. Each vehicle has been restored and preserved in immaculate condition and working order. The collection features 20 vehicles, largely muscle cars from the late 60s to early 70s, which reflect a period of American history punctuated by the Vietnam War and featuring stories of the original owners.
Many of those returning veterans used the money earned to purchase beautiful, and in some cases, one-of-a-kind vehicles, the exact vehicles that can be found in the RAM. The history that those veterans and these vehicles share hold a special place in the hearts of many, and a visit to the RAM is your chance to see a piece of history.
Admission to the museum is free, with all donations going to the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 of Rochester, one of the largest, most active and longest standing local chapters of the national Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Those in attendance for the private opening Saturday included Valentino Gatto, president of VVA Chapter 20; Hank Wallace, vice president of VVA Chapter 20; Joe Peck, secretary of VVA Chapter 20; and Alan Frisa, treasurer of VVA Chapter 20.
The Rochester Auto Museum is located at 130 East Main Street, Rochester and open to all. Tours of the museum are self-guided, with information displayed next to each vehicle to explore at your leisure. RAM hopes to become a mainstay of downtown Rochester and a great supporter of our Vietnam Veterans for years to come. For more information, visit www.rochesterautomuseum.com.
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