ITN Photographer Chopper Dave makes a stop at the National Motorcycle Museum.

The National Motorcycle Museum was founded in 1989 by people who love motorcycling and it thrives today because of their sound plan. Engineers, racers, bike builders, tuners and others as far back as the late 1800′s built the groundwork for what motorcycling has become. The National Motorcycle Museum’s goal is to present their passion, and ours, through fine interpretive exhibits built around a fine collection of machines and historical objects from around the world.

As the motorcycle industry evolves we believe it is critical that we continue to gather vintage bikes, photographs, apparel, advertising art and other memorabilia to document all eras. Likewise, presentation of these motorcycles and objects must be high quality. Enhanced exhibitions, facilities, infrastructure, media and quality staff can make your experience at the Museum what you expect and deserve. Only by making these investments and providing well interpreted motorcycling history can we really succeed in presenting the story of the industry and motorcycling culture.

Some have the misconception that the National Motorcycle Museum is a privately owned museum. In fact it is chartered as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation and is governed by a board of directors. Our funding comes from a variety of sources including admissions, Museum Store sales, fundraisers, donations*, memberships, corporate sponsorships and grants. But it is by far generous donations from individual motorcyclists who love the freedom provided by two wheels that we are able to “tell the exciting stories” of motorcycling and important motorcyclists. Continuous support allows us to create new exhibitions, add interpretive media, research and produce labels holding deeper information about motorcycles on display.

With your generous support we have expanded the list of motorcycles on display from 40 to over 500. Many motorcycles are on loan from private collectors from around the world. The collection of memorabilia, antique motorcycle toys, photos and posters has also grown tremendously. If you are a collector of one or more machines, there may be room for your motorcycle in the galleries of the National Motorcycle Museum.

Our breakthrough in 2010 was the adaptive reuse of a structure on the outskirts of Anamosa over twice the size of the old downtown location. With a location just off U.S. 151, more parking and single story architecture we are better able to handle bus tours and large groups as well as create and produce exciting special events on our grounds.

We wish Jill & the Museum’s family the best of luck with the auction and which ever direction they venture to next.