NORWICH – “The Class of ’56,” 22 beautiful cars that were new in 1956, are now on display at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich. The new exhibit opened with a party for members on May 19, and will be in place for the next year. The name of the exhibit has a double meaning, of course, because 1956 cars were certainly “classy,” and 2006 is the 50-year reunion of everyone who graduated with the “Class of ’56.” At the Northeast Classic Car Museum, 2006 is also the year for a 50-year reunion of a representative of almost every brand of car made in 1956.

1956 was the year that saw Elvis break into the music charts for the first time with Heartbreak Hotel, the new show on Broadway was My Fair Lady, Grace Kelly married her prince, the phrase “under God” was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis appeared together for the last time, and Tom Hanks was born and Isham Jones died. 1956 was midway between the end of the Korean War and the beginning of Viet Nam, and Americans were feeling pretty good, with a new car a definite possibility for many.