Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association (FBJA)
Preserving the Past. Driving the Future.
The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association (FBJA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the history of the original Jeep—born in Butler, Pennsylvania, where the American Bantam Car Company created the vehicle that would change automotive history forever.
Officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2015, FBJA has grown into a leading force within the Jeep community, bringing together enthusiasts from across the country while honoring the birthplace of an American icon.
Our Mission
The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association exists to educate, preserve, and promote the history of the original Jeep while supporting the Butler County community through recreation, stewardship, and charitable giving.
We believe that the Jeep story deserves to be celebrated where it all began—and that the spirit of adventure should continue to benefit future generations.
What We Do
Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival
Each June, FBJA hosts the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, one of the largest Jeep-exclusive events in the world. Thousands of Jeep enthusiasts travel from across North America to Cooper's Lake Campground and Downtown Butler to experience trail rides, obstacle courses, vendor exhibits, historical displays, family activities, and unforgettable Jeep camaraderie.
The festival celebrates every generation of Jeep while paying tribute to the vehicle's origins in Butler.
Preserving Jeep History
As the keepers of the Jeep origin story, FBJA is committed to educating visitors about Butler's role as the Birthplace of the Jeep.
Through exhibits, educational programming, and historical preservation efforts, we share the story of the 1940 Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC)—the military prototype that became the blueprint for the modern Jeep and forever changed automotive history.
Giving Back to Our Community
Supporting Butler County is at the heart of everything we do.
Proceeds generated through our events help fund the FBJA Financial Gift Program, which provides grants to local nonprofit organizations and community projects that make a lasting impact throughout the region.
Since 2016, the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association has awarded more than $392,000 to Butler County nonprofit organizations, helping strengthen the community that gave the world the Jeep.
Land Stewardship & Outdoor Recreation
In 2020, FBJA expanded its mission by purchasing 235 acres in Portersville, Pennsylvania, now known as Bantam Quarry at Kildoo.
This property provides unique opportunities for trail riding, outdoor recreation, and specialized events such as TrailFest, while preserving land for responsible off-road use and future generations of Jeep enthusiasts.
More Than an Event
For Jeep enthusiasts, the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association is more than an event organizer.
We are historians, stewards, volunteers, and advocates dedicated to preserving the Jeep's legacy while creating unforgettable experiences for today's enthusiasts. Whether you own a beautifully restored Willys, a Show 'n Shine champion, or a heavily modified trail rig, there's a place for you in the Bantam family.
From honoring military history to supporting local nonprofits and building lifelong friendships, FBJA is proud to keep the Jeep spirit alive—right where it all began.
Join the Adventure
The Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association continues to preserve the past while driving the future of the Jeep community. Through history, education, recreation, and philanthropy, we're ensuring that the legacy of the original Jeep lives on for generations to come.