Get set for a monumental year at the Harley-Davidson Museum

Anniversaries, a first-ever exhibit and more give 2023 a kickstart at the crossroads of 6^th & Canal.

MILWAUKEE, WI, USA – Jan. 12, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Did you hear? 2023 is the year of the Hog!

Whether it’s marking your calendars for the introduction of Homecoming during the 120^th Anniversary in July or exploring the new exhibits and attractions on the campus of the Harley-Davidson Museum as it celebrates being a top tourist destination in Milwaukee for 15 years, 2023 will rumble all year long.

Start the new year off right by exploring the H-D Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto,” which just opened last month. Isabel Quintero’s beloved children’s book jumps off the page and into the Bridge Gallery to share stories of family bonds that grow stronger on the back of a bike.

And once again in 2023, the H-D Museum is proud to partner with VISIT Milwaukee and nearly 30 other cultural institutions that make our area unique for Milwaukee Museum Days. From Jan. 19 – 29, curious explorers can enjoy discounted admission, special events and more. The H-D Museum will have special deals available for those whopurchase tickets in advance from Jan. 19 – 23 and 26 – 29.

Later this month, on January 18, Harley-Davidson will reveal both its 2023 motorcycle line-up and details of the first annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming™, a celebration 120 years in the making. All the news will stream live at 10 a.m. CST at Harley-Davidson.com.

Please note the H-D Museum™ campus has rolled out seasonal hours for January and February. The H-D Museum will be open Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Harley-Davidson Shop and Factory Shop will be open Thursday – Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Please see below to learn about closures to each shop this month.) And MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, and 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday – Saturday. Beginning March 1, the campus will resume seven days a week operation.

PROGRAMMING / EVENTS

Milwaukee Museum Days, Jan 19 – 23 & 26 – 29
Nourish your mind and soul by visiting Milwaukee’s amazing cultural institutions during Milwaukee Museum Days, Jan. 19 through 29. (Please note seasonal hours above for H-D Museum.) For this special event, many of the city’s most fantastic museums will offer admission at rates ranging from FREE to just $15. Just mention “Milwaukee Museum Days” when you are purchasing your tickets in person January 19 – 23 & 26 – 29 or visit the H-D Museum tickets page to redeem the Museum Days admission offer – just $10 for a ticket to ride – from the H-D Museum.  VisitH-DMuseum.com to see complete ticket details for exclusions and other terms and conditions.

Annual Pass
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s 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-DMuseum.com for details and other terms and conditions.

Guided Tours
The H-D Museum’s 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. Spotlight Tours are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Spanish Spotlight Tours are available most weekends. 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. Reservations and prepayment required at least 2-weeks prior to tour date. Please note: Tour fee does not include General Admission.

Special offer: Tours for Teachers – Thursdays
Beginning Thursday, January 19^th, a guided tour for teachers will be offered to connect local educators with the H-D Museum story and exhibit content. The tour topics will change each week to highlight different tours and activities to match learning objectives for future field trips. Tours are scheduled for each Thursday (Jan. 19 – Mar. 30) at 4 p.m. There is no fee to attend. Capacity is limited; advance registration (H-D Museum Offers & Promotions) and teacher credentials required. Call 414-287-2789 for more information.

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.

All new: An Engineering Program for Cub Scouts is now available for Pack booking! This program content will help Cub Scouts complete requirements for the engineering activity. Call 414-287-2755 for more information and reservations.

Scout Virtual Engineering Merit Badge (Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.)
This new 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.

MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS

“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto” (on display now)
From award-winning children and YA author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña comes the Harley-Davidson Museum’s first-ever bilingual exhibit, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” / “Mi papi tiene una moto.” Based on the beloved children’s book of the same name, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” shares a story of family bonds strengthened by the simple act of taking a joy ride on a two-wheeled machine. With brilliant, colorful art from Peña paired with heart-warming stories from Southern Californian riding families, “My Papi has a Motorcycle” will draw smiles from kids of all ages. It’s an exhibit that focuses not only on where you can take a motorcycle, but where a two-up motorcycle ride with a loved one can take you.

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 Womenmagazine, 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.

The Harley-Davidson® Shop + Factory Shop
So you say Santa didn’t bring you everything on your list? Well thanks to the two new retail shops on the H-D Museum™ campus you can score what was missing under the tree. Hop into the shops on Jan. 14 & 15 to ask about special gifts with purchase that reward your retail therapy habits.
Please note the H-D Shop will be closed through Jan. 12. The Factory Shop will be closed Jan. 17 – 19.

1903 EVENTS
Did someone put a ring on it over the holidays? Let “Happily ever after” begin with the team at 1903 Events. Our new special-event space provides the perfect backdrop for creating memories that will last a lifetime. Reach out to the world-class sales team at 1903 Events and be sure to ask about 1903 Event’s special winter booking incentive – all clients who book between now and Feb. 28, 2023, can receive customized lighting at no additional fee.

MOTOR® BAR & RESTAURANT
Chef Sione has knocked it out of the park again with this month’s specials! Don’t get caught taking that long winter’s nap because these January specials are only here for a limited time. Plus, the new brunch beverages make Sunday your fun day! Finally, don’t forget about the smoking-hot licks and links at the weekly BBQ & Blues.

January Specials (while supplies last):
SALAD OF THE MONTH: FIRECRACKER SHRIMP SALAD ($15.95)
Sautéed shrimp with a spicy aioli served with a pineapple coleslaw salad tossed in a homemade sweet and spicy chili dressing. Topped with fried onion strings.

ENTRÉE OF THE MONTH: PORK SOBA NOODLES ($14.95)
Fresh noodles in a chili soy broth with shredded pork, cabbage, bean sprouts and green onions.

BURGER OF THE MONTH:  MACARONI BURGER ($15.95)
8-oz. hand-packed ground chuck patty with chipotle sauce, bacon, lettuce, Cheddar cheese and topped with our in-house mac and cheese. Served with french fries.

DESSERT OF THE MONTH: MALASSADA ($9.95)
Homemade donuts each with their own unique filling – chocolate, caramel, and pineapple cream cheese.

New MOTOR Brunch Cocktail menu (launches Jan. 15)

MOTOR Bloody Mary ($9): Our classic Bloody Mary with a celery salt rimmed glass served with a large celery stalk, green onion, pickle, olives, lemon and lime. Served with beer chaser.

Wisco’ Bloody ($13): The MOTOR Bloody Mary served with a beef stick and a skewer of fried cheese curds. Served with beer chaser.

Big Hog BBQ Bloody ($14): MOTOR Bloody Mary made with Kurvball BBQ whiskey and + skewer of Burnt ends. Served with beer chaser.

Strawberry Fizz ($11): Smirnoff Strawberry Vodka, Strawberry Puree, Brut & Orange Juice.

MOTOR Mimosa ($9): Brut & Orange Juice

Fireball Jolt ($8): Hot Coffee, Fireball & Cream

Save the date: Mama Tried Official Pre-Party at the H-D Museum & MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant, Feb. 16

About the Harley-Davidson Museum

Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.

Source: Harley-Davidson Museum

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