Our History
Modesto, USA is the birthplace of George Lucas and his award winning film American Graffiti. Our mission is to share, educate, and inspire visitors with exhibits centered around postwar popular culture themes, including classic cars, the rise of rock and roll, radio, and the pastimes of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s that captivated America. Through this display of "Graffiti" culture, visitors will experience immersive exhibits, including replica storefronts, multimedia displays, simulators, and so much more!
But that's not all - the Museum will also be a community hub, offering space for nonprofits, clubs, government agencies, and private and public affairs. We'll be teaming up with individuals, businesses, events, and educational programs to offer rotating exhibits and exciting learning experiences. We can't wait to welcome you here!
Our museum board and advisors include residents and professionals who share a passion for our community. They provide their time, skills, knowledge, and support, working tirelessly to ensure this project comes to life. The Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit, operated by our board of directors and council of advisors.
We are excited to reveal a cultural center that showcases Modesto's classic cars, rock, and roll history, and the stories that inspired Modesto native George Lucas to create his landmark film American Graffiti, paving the way for his future creations like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and more!
Sponsors
CT Brayton & Sons Incorporated, Collins Electrical Company, Bambacigno Steel Company, Inc., Beard, Burkett's Pool Plastering, Inc, Oak Valley Community Bank, Ross F. Carroll, Inc, Reed Family Companies, Boyett, 5 Minute Car Wash, Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group, Modesto Steel
Corporate Sponsors
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum Sponsors
Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum, Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is comprised of local leaders and dedicated supporters of our Graffiti heritage. Learn more about our Board of Directors and dedicated supporters below!
Brent Burnside, Chairman.
Owner of Burnside Auto Body Shop
Chair of the North Modesto Kiwanis American Graffiti Festival & Car Show
John Sanders, Past Chairman
Retired Business Owner
Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Co-Founder of the North Modesto Kiwanis American Graffiti Festival
Ron Pippin, Vice Chairman
Retired Business Owner & Construction Management Professional
President Faros Car Club
Jerry Sauls, Treasurer
Willey Printing Co, Owner
Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Modesto Area Street Rod Association (MASRA) Member
Michael Johnson, Secretary
Retired School Teacher, Downey High School
Cecil Russell, Executive Director and General Manager
Past CEO/President of Modesto of Commerce
Former Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing at Save Mart Supermarkets
Early 1990's Graffiti Nite Organizer
Charlie Fernandes, Car Sales Manager
Country Ford Dealership, Former Owner
Turlock Irrigation District Board of Directors, Retired
Modesto Area Street Rod Association (MASRA) Member
Chris Murphy, Founding Board Member
Co-Owner Sierra Pacific Warehouse Group
Publisher of the Modesto View
Modesto Historic Cruise Route, Founder
Legends of the Cruise Walk of Fame, Founder
Joe Pope, Board Member
General Motors Dealership, Former Owner
Tom Watling, Museum Curator, Board Member
Watling Classics, Owner
Dennis Wilson, Board Member
Civil Engineer, Retired
Legend of the Cruise Inductee
Modesto Area Street Rod Association (MASRA) Member
Civil Engineer, Legend of the Cruise Inductee, classic car enthusiast.
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
Brad Hawn, CHG Structural Engineering
Brian Gini, Collins Electrical, Owner
Dave Gianelli, Gianelli, Friedman, Jeffries
Craig Lewis, Lewis Capital Advisors
Gino Patrizio, Sutter Memorial Medical Center, CEO