Whether it was the machine gun-mounted sidecars on Harley-Davidson motorcycles chasing Pancho Villa in 1916 or the MoCo producing 20,000 motorcycles for use in WWI and another approximately 70,000 in WWII, Harley-Davidson has a long history of supporting the U.S. armed forces. The efforts to recognize the value and contributions of our country’s servicemen and servicewomen continue today, from offering discounts on the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course as part of Military Spouse Appreciation Day to the introduction of the 2022 G.I. Enthusiast Collection.
And on Nov. 11, the Harley-Davidson Museum continues the tradition by offering free admission to all active military, veterans, and their families, plus a free meal at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant to all veterans and active military personnel. For more information, read the press release below.
MILWAUKEE (Nov. 3, 2022) – Harley-Davidson’s history with the U.S. military dates back more than a century. The Motor Company’s “iron horses” were a part of General “Black Jack” Pershing’s 1916 efforts to chase Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa around the Mexican desert on the heels of the Mexican Revolution. Harley-Davidson has always been on the front lines – right next to the troops. In fact, the first American to enter Germany after World War I did so on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
And in what has become an annual tradition of expressing gratitude for those who serve and those who have served, all active military, veterans, and their families will enjoy complimentary admission to the H-D Museum on Friday, Nov. 11. Plus, MOTOR Bar & Restaurant is also looking to say thanks by offering veterans a free meal on Nov. 11. That’s right, all veterans and active military personnel will receive a free meal (up to $12.95 with the purchase of a beverage).
It’s a great time to check out a recent acquisition: an original, unrestored 1969 Model XLA military Sportster with only 11,873 miles on the odometer. This XLA was specifically built on specification for military use and is in its original olive paint and military trim after serving on Fort Lewis, Washington, for Military Police duty.
Also this month, the new H-D Factory Shop is now open seven days a week, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The official H-D outlet is your source for savings on end-of-season gear and discounted products. With the Harley-Davidson Shop and the new H-D Factory Shop, the H-D Museum campus now boasts more than 13,000 square feet of Harley-Davidson premium retail experience – just in time for holiday shopping.
And have you enrolled in MOTOR Bar & Restaurant’s new Rev Rewards program? If the monthly specials weren’t enough to entice you (see below) in for lunch, dinner, a Friday fish fry, or BBQ & Blues, you can now earn rewards every time you dine at MOTOR.
This will also be the last call for “Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory,” before it departs the Bridge Gallery later this month. Stay tuned for exciting news on a new family-friendly, bilingual exhibit set to go up in December.
Finally, mark your calendars for Dec. 7-18 for a new Harley tradition: 12 Days of Holiday Fun at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Make reservations for Breakfast with Santa. And look out for exclusive after-hours shopping at the Harley-Davidson Shop and the Factory Shop. The campus will provide the perfect backdrop for fun family photo ops and so much more.
Harley- Davidson Museum Programming/Events
Veterans Day Appreciation, Nov. 11, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
We salute you! On Nov. 11, the Harley-Davidson Museum will host a Veterans Day Appreciation event, which includes free Museum admission for all active Military, Veterans and their families*. Learn more about H-D’s military involvement that dates back more than a century. Active military and veterans also enjoy discounts throughout the H-D Museum™ campus. Learn more about H-D’s storied military history during Military Gallery Talks on November 11th at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
*The free admission on Nov. 11 is good with valid Military or Veterans ID for one additional adult and up to four children (under age 18) for in-person use at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Not valid for online purchases. Non-transferable. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer not valid on previously purchased Harley-Davidson Museum tickets. Cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.
Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? Maybe doing a little holiday shopping for those who love the adventure only Harley-Davidson can bring? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP levels to fit your lifestyle. Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include virtual access to the H-D Museum with various Harley history topics covered in our Virtual Gallery Talk series, admission discounts, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, and more. Visit H-D Museum.com for details and other terms and conditions.
Guided Tours
All new in ’22. Our guided tour portfolio has been updated with new experiences and content. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, the Beyond the Gate Tour, or the VIP Tour. Some tours are available to the public; this schedule will vary.
Public tour offerings now include a Spotlight Tour in Spanish and an occasional Beyond the Gate Tour. Guests are invited to check out the calendar when planning their visit to sign-up in advance for an unforgettable guided experience. To book a private group tour, please call 414-287-2799 or email for more information. Advance reservations and prepayment required at least two weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.
Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
All scouts are welcome to come earn their Engineering Merit Badge at the Harley-Davidson Museum! This experience will be launched by our merit badge counselor. Then, scouts will explore the history of Harley-Davidson as well as the engineering of motorcycles as they complete the nine merit badge requirements.
Advance registration is required. Program registration closes one week prior to the scheduled program date. Ticket includes: downloadable activity booklet used for the program, welcome and orientation by program facilitator, blue card signed by the facilitator (one blue card per scout registration) and an exclusive H-D Museum™ patch.
Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
The new Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge 90-minute online program is open to scouts from all over the country. Our program facilitator will guide the troops and explore the role an engineer plays while creating a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Nine requirements for the Engineering Merit Badge will be discussed during this virtual, interactive program. Advance registration is required. Program Fee: $20 per Scout, which includes an activity booklet used during the program and a special H-D patch upon completion of the program.
Harley-Davidson Museum Must-See Exhibits and Installations
Experience Gallery (on display now)
With inspiring stories from riders who have turned their dream of learning to ride into reality, a look at the epic journeys you can only experience behind the bars of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, plus the chance to throw a leg over a new Harley-Davidson #FreedomMachine, the reinstalled and all-new Experience Gallery shows the world how United We Ride!
Google Arts & Culture: Take a Trip through Time (on display now)
Lillian Hauerwas began riding in 1911 when she was 19 years old. In 1914, she and a friend took a sidecar rig on a week-long trip. Check out a photo album from their ride and find out more about this early advocate for women motorcyclists on the Museum’s Google Arts & Culture site.
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (on display now)
The four founders of Harley-Davidson were recently inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Learn more about this prestigious honor now on view in the H-D Museum.
Linda “Jo” Giovannoni (on display now)
This year the world of motorcycling lost a prominent voice, Linda “Jo” Giovannoni. As a co-founder of Harley Women magazine, she shared her love of the sport through articles in newspapers and magazines, and in national television interviews and documentaries. Learn about how Giovannoni inspired riders for over 40 years.
1977 FLH “Blackula” (on display now)
Milwaukee man about town Freddie Franklin purchased his Electra Glide motorcycle from its original owner, 95-year-old Wallace Brzezinski, with only 4,500 miles on its odometer. And in short order, he completely re-envisioned the bike to reflect his timeless style. The motorcycle incorporates some hallmarks of Franklin’s disparate tastes. A dash of the Coney Island-style bikes – decked out with lights and reflectors – he adored mixed in with elements of Willie G.’s seminal Knucklehead and topped off with details that harken to the 1970s blaxploitation films Franklin watched back in the day. A clear statement of Black pride via the language of vintage motorcycles, this is a bike you must see in-person.
Keith Brammer (Die Kreuzen) leather jacket (on display now)
Perhaps no other genre of music is so closely associated with the classic black leather jacket than punk rock. Keith Brammer, of Milwaukee’s hardcore punk band Die Kreuzen, has graciously lent his well-worn leather to the H-D Museum. The jacket was purchased in New York City in the 1980s and was a constant companion for Brammer throughout his touring days. Check out the Custom Culture gallery to view this piece of Milwaukee music history.
Revolution Max Engine (on display now)
The brand-new Revolution Max 1250cc engine powers a new generation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. See the liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin that delivers for the Pan America adventure touring model and the performance cruiser Sportster S motorcycle. On view in the Museum lobby.
Clubs & Competition (on display now)
In the early part of the 20th century, motorcycle culture was a homegrown phenomenon. It grew out of the passion of riders for their evolving sport. The camaraderie that developed around riding and attending competitive events led to the formation of motorcycle clubs that hosted destination rides, family picnics with motorcycle games, and other riding competitions.
The newly reinstalled display case in the Clubs & Competition gallery highlights clothing from club members from primarily the 1930s and 1940s. The clothing selections on view include full dress uniforms, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and caps, customized by the owners with their club’s name and logo, and pins or patches indicating membership in the American Motorcyclist Association. The H-D Archives collection includes Motorclothes apparel sold in H-D product catalogs but also non-H-D produced clothing items that have been proudly customized by riders.
Harley Fox (on display now)
Gail Anderson’s 1986 Softail Custom motorcycle, “Harley Fox,” built by her partner Bob Burrows, took top prize at the first Ladies of Harley (LOH) ride-in show during Daytona Beach Bike Week in 1987. With her custom bike and themed riding gear, Anderson presented a striking image that fit the growing visibility and exciting new options for women riders in the 1980s.
Alfonso Sotomayor’s 1957 Model FL (on display now)
The Harley-Davidson Museum is proud to announce its collection has recently grown with the addition of a 1957 Model FL that was ridden by famed Mexican stunt rider and racer Alfonso Sotomayor Canales.
Harley-Davidson’s history in Mexico dates back to at least 1913. In the 1920s, the brand was more frequently spotted throughout Mexico City as the motorcycles proved popular with the local traffic police who would also perform stunts with their Harley-Davidson bikes.
After racing from the 1930s into the 1960s, Sotomayor launched his own stunt riding career by performing the famed “Salto de la Muerte” or Jump of Death. Learn more about Sotomayor’s feats of derring-do and Harley-Davidson’s early entry into Mexico with this new display located in the Custom Culture area.
“Off-Road Harley-Davidson” (on display now)
In the decades before America paved its highways, early riders had to be prepared for all sorts of terrain: sand, clay, or dirt – and wandering those makeshift byways were Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Today, it’s called off-road or adventure touring; back then it was just called riding. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson motorcycles proved their toughness by riding over wooded hills, through stone-choked creek beds and up mountain sides. “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” tells the history of motorcycles designed for rough roads, the people who rode them and the adventures they shared.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue Factory” (closing soon!)
A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business – going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920 – the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.
“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.”
The Harley-Davidson Shop
Have you seen the expanded offerings at the all-new H-D Shop? More than 150 new items can be yours to help outfit your collection, including new collaborations! Check out the fresh Harley-Davidson Museum headwear and socks designed and made in the USA by Ampal. Beginning on Black Friday (Nov. 25), be sure to check out the H-D Shop gift bundles. Available for men, women, and kids, these are a great way to knock out your holiday shopping early and share more smiles.
Factory Shop
Harley-Davidson’s first and only Factory Shop is now open on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus! Bonus: It’s open seven days a week! The Factory Shop is the official company outlet for premium, end-of-season H-D clothing and gear that have limited inventory. Products include helmets, gloves, jackets, and so much more. Inventory is refreshed often, so be sure to check out what’s on the rack today!
1903 Events
Who’s down to add a little extra jingle to your holiday parties? The team at 1903 Events is ready to take your event to the next level. Our unique spaces – including the all-new, 8,200-square-foot Garage – can accommodate parties from 10 to 10,000. Reach out to the world-class sales team at 1903 Events now to make sure your party ends up on the nice list. Be sure to ask about 1903 Event’s special winter booking incentive – all clients who book between Nov. 20 and Feb. 28, 2023, can receive customized lighting at no additional fee.
MOTOR’s monthly specials feature hearty fare to help fight any chill coming this season. Enjoy Classic Meatloaf (an American classic served with buttered corn and mashed potatoes, $16.95), Milly Roast Beef, MOTOR’s take on the classic Philly cheese steak (shaved roast beef topped with peppers, onions and cheddar cheese on a pretzel bun, served with french fries and a pickle spear, $14.95), or Bananas Foster Cake (vanilla crunch cake dressed with rum caramel and sliced bananas, $7.95) as you leave the cooking to the pros at MOTOR.
And now there’s even more incentives to bring your appetite to MOTOR. The MOTOR Rev Rewards program is MOTOR Bar & Restaurant’s loyalty program. This program is a way for us to show our appreciation to our loyal guests! The goal is to make the program fun and easy for guests to use. Diners at MOTOR who sign up for the program will earn points for every dollar they spend on their meal. $1 equals 1 point, and for every 100 points that you accumulate, you get $5 towards your next meal. In addition to earning rewards, we also have incentives for our members such as a birthday reward, anniversary reward, and more. It’s simple and fast to sign up – join us today!
