Butler County Tourism Foundation

The foundation is run through Experience Butler County PA. The 501(c)(3) was established in May 2010 for historic preservation, revitalization and education through tax deductible contributions.

The vision of the Butler County Tourism Foundation is to create a thriving community where Experience Butler County PA partners can learn and grow their businesses, and where the county's rich history and culture are preserved for future generations.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Butler County Tourism Foundation is to serve the Tourism Industry through promotion and historic preservation in Butler County, PA, by educating and engaging its partners and the public, and supporting community development through a program of historic preservation, community education, professional development, and activity coordination.

Butler Built Garage: History on Display

The Butler Old Stone House Region Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) was established in 1964. Their group of auto historians is passionate about cars.

The club meets twice a month in their Butler garage to work on cars and plan for future events and car shows. However, unlike some car collectors, the group encourages guests to interact with the vehicles.

Dan SumAACA Member

“At the typical car show it’s look but don’t touch, but we like people to experience the cars.”

The focus is on the history of local “Butler Built” cars. The group’s garage space is also home to Experience Butler County’s car collection. This includes cars from Bantam, American Austin, Standard, and Huselton. The AACA is the largest antique car club in the world, founded in 1935. Sum said he became a member partly because of his lifelong interest in “old things”. “I like old tractors, I like old cars, I‘m a machinist,” said Sum “I like to know what was before, what started it all.”

Antique cars are an integral part of Butler County's history. In 1940 The American Bantam Car Company invented, developed, and produced one of the most famous vehicles in the world – the Jeep – in Butler as a response to a request from the U.S. Army for versatile military transport.

Starting Sunday, March 16, 2025, the club will host monthly open houses, giving the public access to the collection and its history outside of events, car shows, and parades. This free event is perfect for all ages and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can support the club by purchasing club merchandise, including coffee cups, holiday ornaments, magnets, and stickers.

Can Am Police-Fire Games 2024

December 2024

Can-Am Police-Fire Games is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event that features traditional sports and competitions that include skills used in first responders day-to-day work. The mission of the Can-Am Police-Fire Games is to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among law enforcement, fire, emergency, and protective service personnel and their agencies.

Over $95,000 was given to Special Olympics PA during a special presentation at Butler High School. This money is the net proceeds from the 2024 Can-Am Police-Fire Games, which took place in July across the County. During the thrilling week of competition and camaraderie, 500 athletes and their families explored, competed, and enjoyed Butler County.

This incredible donation will empower countless athletes to reach new heights and shine brightly on the field of competition. The Sheriff of Butler County and 2024 Can-Am Police-Fire Games Chairman & CEO Michael T. Slupe represented the organization and presented the check.

Michael T. SlupeSheriff of Butler County and 2024 Can-Am Police-Fire Games Chairman & CEO

“This presentation is a physical representation of all the hard work that made the Can-Am Games happen. Part of the Games' mission is to give back to the community they are held in, and this accomplishes that.”