Mangano Announces Autoseum Fall Classes To Begin

Automotive Museum Provides Alternative Career Opportunities in Craftsmanship

With the new school year just getting underway, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and BOCES are encouraging students to consider a unique and rewarding career beginning at the County’s new Automotive Teaching Museum.

The Autoseum, which is located at 100 County Seat Drive in Mineola, is scheduled to open its doors to students beginning October 1st, with the course “Auto Customization Fundamentals.” The 20-session class, which includes 60 hours of instruction, is held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and tuition costs $990. In addition, Auto Customization Paint, an elective course, starts October 2nd, and meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The 10 sessions include 30 hours of training, tuition is $640.

County Executive Mangano stated, “The Autoseum is an innovative concept that offers car enthusiasts an opportunity to learn a trade from craftsmen trained by George Barris. Students will learn to build television, movie and custom cars from expert craftsmen.”

The concept for the Autoseum was developed by its President/Director Mike Manning and Vice President/Director Andy Perillo. Their dreams began two years ago after hosting a “Hollywood Stars Car Show” at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, at the invitation of County Executive Mangano. The Autoseum is partnering with BOCES on the education program.

“Nassau BOCES’ collaboration with the Autoseum provides a wonderful opportunity for adults interested in pursuing a career in auto customization. The high quality Nassau BOCES courses - taught by Autoseum experts and their world-wide reputation for customized cars - combine to offer a unique career pathway,” said Dr. Thomas Rogers, District Superintendent, Nassau BOCES.

On permanent display are famous automobiles designed by George Barris, the “King of Kustomizers” and automaker-to-the-stars, including: an original Batmobile, the Aston Martin DB5 made famous in the James Bond movies; and the DRAG-U-LA from TV’s The Munsters. Revolving exhibit spaces also showcase the work of other designers from Long Island and across the nation.

The Autoseum features a fully functional auto body shop, as well as classes and workshops for demonstrating highly specialized equipment and techniques to students. The garage offers hands-on experience by employing a rotating staff of interns and apprentices from schools and colleges across Long Island. Group visits and school trips can be arranged by appointment.

The “King of Kustomizers,” George Barris, will be visiting the Autoseum to kick off the first day of classes on Saturday, September 29th, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. A meet-and-greet will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday only. For more information on the Meet and Greet, please visit www.autoseum.org or call (516) 571-1894.