Staff Picks: Favorite Items at the Harley-Davidson Museum

Global Visitors

Spread over twenty acres, the Harley-Davidson Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. The Motor Company proudly states that a walk through the museum is a walk through the history of America. Visiting is an experience of a lifetime — a journey of Harley-Davidson history through hands-on displays and even demo rides. 

Photo courtesy of American Iron.

Pristine Collection

In 1915, the Motor Company started pulling one motorcycle a year off the production line to preserve for posterity. The museum now houses hundreds of pristine bikes, the company archives, and a massive collection of motorcycling paraphernalia. Staff at the museum recently shared some of their favorite picks from the collection. Here is a quick look at those curious items. 

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

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Meaningful Photograph

Museum Registrar, Leigh Albritton's significant item is a photograph donated by a woman from Texas. The photograph depicts the Texan's father on his newly-purchased 1940 EL. Much later in life, when her father was ill and in hospice care, the daughter displayed the photograph in his room. The daughter believes that the staff had a better appreciation of her father because of the photograph. For Albritton, it is a simple, yet powerful, example of a meaningful association with the Motor Company.

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Friends and Family

Senior Exhibit Technician, Jeff Mitchell's favorite artifact is a motorcycle helmet adorned with an enormous set of horns. The helmet was paired with a photo of Arlen Strehlow — its proud owner. Mitchell later learned through a mutual friend that Strehlow, who had passed away in 2007, had been an inspiration to many. Mitchell's connection was realizing that the museum is a place to remember friends and family, while also learning about the Motor Company's history and engineering achievements.

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Respected Dealer

H-D Archives, Kimberly Thomas' special item is William B. Johnson's dealer card, issued in 1920. Johnson became Harley-Davidson’s first African American dealer in Somers, New York. Thomas became intrigued with Johnson's story and met with the Somers Historical Society, members of his family, and many people who worked and rode with Johnson. Thomas later represented the Motor Company during Westchester County’s William B. Johnson Day — a celebration for a well-respected and determined individual.

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Old Junk

H-D Archives, Bill Jackson's favorite object is an integral part of Harley-Davidson's success. In 2008, Arthur H. Davidson called Jackson and offered to donate some 'old junk' to the museum. Among the objects were his parent's passports dating back to 1915. The documents state 'motorcycle business' as the purpose of a European visit. The dealers that Davidson recruited on his travels around the world are a key reason for the Motor Company's longevity.

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Amazing Day

Exhibits & Curatorial, Kristen Jones' item is a printed piece of cardboard from 1919. The die-cut logo is a 'hangtag,' given out to fans by the famed Wrecking Crew during the Motor Company's early race days. Printed inside is the team line-up, their jersey colors and trains connections to Marion, Indiana. The 'Crew' swept the Marion race and their exploits were captured on a newsreel where the hangtag can be seen pinned to coat lapels. It is a humble, yet visceral connection, to what was certainly an amazing day.

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Milwaukee Icon

Only a small portion of the archives collection is on view in the museum at any given time. One never knows when an object of significance will be revealed. A visit to the museum could prove profound. The current special exhibit is: Building a Milwaukee Icon: Harley-Davidson's Juneau Avenue Factory. The Harley-Davidson Museum is open 365 days of the year. H.O.G. Members get free admission.

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