Celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep - Great Lakes area

As The National WWII Museum prepares to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the American entry into WWII, we wanted to share with our friends and supporters in the Great Lakes area information about another important 70th anniversary that is being commemorated in your area.

Seventy years ago on July 15, 1941, the U.S. Army signed the first contract for what would become the universal symbol of the American military — the Jeep®. By the end of WWII, the "Arsenal of Democracy" would produce almost 650,000 Jeep vehicles, or one for every 23 Americans in the war!

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of this iconic vehicle, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Michigan has an ongoing special exhibit, 70 Years of Jeep, that traces the Jeep’s rise from military reconnaissance vehicle to the transportation of choice in navigating all terrain for millions of adventure-seekers.

The exhibition’s centerpiece is an original, restored 1941 Willys MA that its owner traces back to service with the 15th Infantry in Fort Lewis, Washington. The special exhibit, which runs through December 30, 2011, also features historical images, extensive narrative and memorabilia.

In conjunction with the special exhibit, the Chrysler Museum is hosting two special events next month:

70 Years of Jeep Cruise Night

Wednesday, July 13, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Jeep will take center stage among all makes and models of cruisers on proud display in the Museum’s parking lot. The evening includes music, food concessions and "best of" awards — including Best Jeep. Cruise Nights admission is free with reduced after-hours admission to the Museum of $2 adults and $1 children.

70 Years of Jeep Heritage Saturday ($13 advance, $15 at the door)

Saturday, July 16, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Larry Johnson, avid Jeep history buff and retired Mopar® Accessories Product Engineer, Chrysler Group LLC, will offer a look back at the iconic vehicle's rise from military to civilian use. Johnson’s presentation will emphasize the vehicle's earliest years (1940 – 1955), beginning with Bantam and detailing Jeep's progression through World War II. He will highlight the vehicle's evolution through various corporations over the years and will share the many interesting nuggets and little known facts he has uncovered through in-depth research.

Plus, the Chrysler Museum is extending their member benefits to members of The National WWII Museum! If you are a Charter or Patriots Circle Member, that means you get 2 for 1 Chrysler Museum admission — simply download your 2 for 1 admission coupon here, and present at registration for reduced general-tour admission through December 30, 2011.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum is open for self-guided tours 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 5pm on Sunday. The Museum is closed on Monday. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (62 and older) and $4 for children 6 – 12 years old. Children five and under are admitted free and group rates are available.

For more information, visit WPChryslerMuseum.org