Media only: | Melinda Machado (202) 633-3129 Patti Plath (202) 633-3129 |
Media website: |
Media Advisory
WHAT: | The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will accept a significant collection of objects related to advancements in auto safety from eight individuals, organizations and companies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, General Motors and Volvo. |
|
|
WHEN: | Wednesday, July 14 9:15 a.m. |
|
|
WHERE: | National Museum of American History |
|
|
WHO: | Brent D. Glass, director, National Museum of American History |
In a special donation ceremony, the museum will receive objects related to more than 75 years of auto safety and materials pertaining to safety initiatives administered by NHTSA. The event also marks the 25th anniversary of the Vince and Larry ads sponsored by NHTSA and the Ad Council.
The collection documents technological advancements made in the auto industry to improve safety features in cars and the success of the Vince and Larry public service announcements, which demonstrated the importance of safety belt and child-safety seat use.
The donation includes costumes and props from the Vince and Larry campaign, a GM Hybrid III crash-test dummy, a three-point safety belt and seat from a 1961 Volvo, safety literature from the American Automobile Association, three ignition interlock breath analyzers from Guardian Interlock, an energy-absorbing steering column from a 1967 Chevrolet, a Hybrid II crash-test dummy from Denton ATD, and a padded dashboard invented by plastic surgeon Claire L. Straith, M.D.
Note: There will be a special appearance by Vince and Larry. The original actors, as well as Jim Ferguson and Joel Machak, co-creators of the Vince and Larry PSAs, will be available for interviews.
Volvo Contact: Dan Johnston
01-201-784-4504
