Image Note: This clapperboard is special because it was used in the filming of “American Graffiti” and donated to Cruisin’ The Boulevard (CTB) by the movie’s clapper loader. The shooting date of 8-2-72 it displays was toward the end of filming. One Petaluma street scene it launched was the freshman hop action in the Petaluma High School gym parking lot, where Curt Henderson (Richard Dreyfuss) spots his “dream girl” (Suzanne Somers) in the white T Bird.

“Celebrating 50 years Of American Graffiti

Thursday, May 18, 2023- Sunday, September 3rd, 2023
Special Opening Feature:
May 18-19th – Tribute Cars (Reproductions) will be parked in front of the museum
Exhibit Hours: Thursdays Thru Sundays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Free and Open to the Public

Cruising The Boulevard in collaboration with the Petaluma Museum Association and the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the release of the movie American Graffiti in this our latest exhibit “Celebrating 50 years of American Graffiti”.

The exhibit explores the filming of the movie (stories, re-enactments, interviews) particularly in Petaluma.  Featured are tributes to the film’s actors who we recently lost.  Excellent photos take you back to 1962 Petaluma featuring drive-in restaurants, car clubs, cruising, and more.  Cruising The Boulevard‘s story (tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit) is also told, including how the organization has distributed over $200,000 in grants to the Petaluma community over the years.  The organization has celebrated the filming of American Graffiti in Petaluma since 2006 with a free downtown car show. This year, it will take place on Saturday, May 20.

For more information about activities centered around the Salute to American Graffiti Car Show and Event: Annual Salute to American Graffiti