Celebrating Women in Motorcycling at the second annual Pearl’s Jam

On Monday, August 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the museum will host Pearl’s Jam. Named in honor of Pearl Hoel, wife of Pappy Hoel and co-founder of the Sturgis Rally, the event celebrates the vital contributions of women in motorcycling.

This year’s Pearl’s Jam recognizes the posthumous induction to the Hall of Fame for two legendary female motorcyclists: Bessie Stringfield, the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami” who famously broke racial and gender barriers by riding solo across the U.S. in the 1930s and 40s, and Mary McGee, a pioneering racer who became the first American woman to compete in motorcycle road racing and motocross. The event will also spotlight Florence Emde, the trailblazing matriarch of a multi-generational racing dynasty who features prominently in a new book about her racing champion husband, Floyd Emde.

In addition to historic tributes, attendees will witness the reveal of a custom, specialized piece of art by Dana KT of Metalwood Garage, designed to celebrate the modern experiences of women in the sport.

Noted motorcycling women will be in attendance throughout the day, including past Pearl Hoel Legacy Award recipients and the 2026 Pearl Hoel Award winner, Heather Callen.

Named for Pearl Hoel, the Pearl Hoel Legacy Award celebrates people who leave the motorcycle world better than they found it. Heather Callen, the “heart” of the longest running independent motorcycle media outlet, Cycle Source, was recently named the winner of the award for 2026. She has handled almost every task imaginable in the business: editor, photographer, event organizer, production manager, accountant, travel coordinator, television producer and problem solver. She’s the friendly face that’s part of every Cycle Source event.