Our History
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 exhibitions 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, raffles, donations*, memberships, corportate 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 300. 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 for 2010 is 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 encourage you to click on "Get Involved" on the Museum Home Page to see all the
ways you can begin to work with the Museum and support its work. From outright cash
donations to giving your time and technical expertise, there's a way for you to
get involved with the National Motorcycle Museum!
*Monetary gifts and gifts of Personal Property to the National Motorcycle Museum
are typically tax deductible.