Pvt. Kenneth Ducharm writes a letter while seated in a Bantam BRC-40 in August of 1941. Additions to the Jeep include a radio antenna and specially designed gas can on the front left step plate.

The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival is an opportunity to share Butler County’s rich history.

“Not many people know that Butler County is the birthplace of the Jeep and by creating this event we are looking to change that,” said Jack Cohen, director of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau.

To celebrate that history, an exhibit was created just for the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. It can be found along the midway at the Butler County Fair Grounds.

For the first time since the American Bantam Car Co. closed its doors, all five of the original Bantams will be together. The Bantams are featured in the festival history exhibit that includes a Jeep timeline.

The timeline begins with the need to create the Jeep right up to American Bantam Car Co. closing. The timeline also will be on display in the county after the festival.

The festival exhibit will also include Jeep enthusiasts who will talk about the Jeep’s history and their own experiences. A video showcasing the Jeep will run throughout the weekend.