Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum
Modesto, California USA is the home of American Graffiti, the award winning film by George Lucas. The film is known around the world and it is a positive part of Modesto’s history. The culture of Modesto USA still represents the small town charm, but with the benefits of being a larger city. Our “classic car culture” currently draws visitors from around the world, especially during the annual Graffiti Summer.
Modesto USA has developed some tourist locations, but lacks a showcase museum, that captures and celebrates the spirit of American Graffiti. A new non-profit has been created with an exciting location on Historic 99 to design and develop the year-round Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum and Experience. This will attract visitors from near and far away. The Graffiti USA Museum will be the cultural center for our classic cars, our rock and roll history, and will tell the stories that inspired Modesto native George Lucas to make his landmark film that paved the way for his future creations like Star Wars.
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to grow the attraction of Modesto as a destination for events, entertainment, vacations, and tours while capitalizing on the nostalgia and Modesto’s cultural history celebrating Modesto’s love affair with the automobile.
Our Vision
Our Vision is a thriving Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum that brings people, revenue, events, students and business to downtown Modesto. We see a healthy and thriving tourism attraction for Modesto all year long based on Modesto’s authentic classic car history, people and events. The Museum will create an immersive experience, taking the visitor back to the days of the cruise, with replica store fronts and murals of the Graffiti Era, that will be the backdrop to the cars and memorabilia on display.
Our museum committee is made up of local residents who are passionate about the establishment of a car museum in Modesto. They are giving their time, treasure, knowledge and support to make our Graffiti USA history come to life in this amazing experience museum. This is our history so let’s bring it to life.
Graffiti USA, Board of Directors
John Sanders – Chairman
Retired businessman, early cruiser and co-founder of the American Graffiti Festival, Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Brent Burnside – Vice Chairman
Owner of Burnside Auto Body Shop, Chair of the North Modesto Kiwanis American Graffiti Festival
Michael Johnson – Secretary/Treasurer
Retired school teacher, background in set and building design
Doug Ridenour – Modesto City Council
Retired Modesto police officer, classic car owner and club member
Cecil Russell – Past CEO, Modesto Chamber of Commerce
Former VP Save Mart Supermarkets and early 90s Graffiti Nite organizer
Ron Pippin – Building and construction businessman, car guy
Chris Murphy – Co-Owner, Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group, publisher of Modesto View. Founder of the Modesto Historic Cruise Route and Walk of Fame
Dennis Wilson – Civil engineer and Legend of the Cruise inductee , classic car guy
COUNCIL OF ADVISORS
Brad Hawn – Car guy, structural engineer
Don Wood – Automobile appraiser, Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Jim DiMartini – Stanislaus County Supervisor, almond farmer and car collector
Brian Gini – Owner of Collins Electrical Contractors
Dave Gianelli – Attorney
Jerry Sauls – Owner, Wille Printing Co. and a car guy, Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Craig Lewis – Real estate professional
Tom Watling – Vintage car dealer
Steve Perry – Construction professional, car show and event expert
Tony Pineiro – Fundraising and community expert
Joe Pope – Former General Motors Car dealer
Bob Rose – Vintage car memorabilia restorer
Ken White – Author of Modesto History books
In Memoriam – Peter Hischier – Long time car guy and Gene Winfield associate, Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Graffiti USA Museum Address
610 N 9th Street. Modesto, Ca 95350
Graffiti USA Mailing Address
3731 Finch Rd
Donation information email: info@graffitiusamuseum.com
E-commerce email: chrism@spwg.com
