Join the Harley-Davidson Museum® as we salute those who serve and have served on the front lines of freedom with free admission for Veterans Day weekend
Plus, check out the new H-D Museum ™ photography exhibit, “Ezy Ryders,” opening Nov. 23.
MILWAUKEE, USA (November 1, 2024) – Harley-Davidson’s storied and legendary commitment to service men and women dates back more than a century when General “Black Jack” Pershing enlisted Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in a series of skirmishes along the U.S. and Mexican border. During World War II, H-D built more than 70,000 military vehicles for the US military and its allies, including the UK, Canada and Russia. That famed WLA – which is featured in the H-D Museum’s military gallery – is often referred to as “the bike that won the war.”
This weekend also marks the last chance to check out the H-D Museum’s first bilingual exhibit, “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto,” before it closes on Nov. 3. Take one last trip with author Isabel Quintero and illustrator Zeke Peña and share in the freedom and fun parents and their kids find when they take to two wheels.
The Bridge Gallery will then be prepped for a new photography exhibit, “Ezy Ryders: History & Tradition, Heart & Soul,” which is being produced with the assistance of documentarian Cate Dingley, author of the book Ezy Ryders. Opening Nov. 23, this series of photos is a celebration of life on two wheels. Dingley interviewed and photographed Black riders in New York City over a five-year period, learning about their back stories and why they ride today. The stunning photos portray a community of riders, made up of people from all walks of life who come together over a common bond. Make tracks to view this new exhibition beginning Saturday, Nov. 23.
Don’t forget that the H-D Museum is a great experience over the long holiday weekends. Bring friends and family visiting Milwaukee to the crossroads of 6th & Canal to learn more about this legendary global brand that began in a backyard shed in Brew City. Spend the whole day on campus checking out the unrivaled collection in the H-D Museum, grab a bite or a beverage at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and take home more than memories at the H-D Shop™ or the Harley-Davidson® Factory Outlet. There’s something for every member of the family found on campus.
PROGRAMMING / EVENTS
Veterans Day Celebration Weekend, Nov 9 – 11
Help us celebrate and commemorate the men and women in the U.S. military during the Harley-Davidson Museum’s Veterans Appreciation Weekend, from Saturday, November 9, to Monday, November 11. In honor of Veterans Day, all active military, veterans, and their families can enjoy complimentary H-D Museum admission.* And on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), veterans and active military personnel can enjoy one complimentary meal at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant (up to $14.95 with the purchase of a beverage) as we salute those who serve and have served. And don’t forget about the ever-popular military-focused Gallery Talks, taking place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day (Nov. 9 – 11). For more than a century, Harley-Davidson has been on the front lines of freedom along with our heroic service men and women. We hope you can make plans to join us as we say, thank you!
*Receive up to six (6) Harley-Davidson Museum General Admission passes by providing verification of military service in the US Armed Services (includes active duty, veterans and immediate family members (spouse and children under 18 years old)). Valid from November 9, 2024 through November 11, 2024 for in-person use at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Not valid for online purchases. Limited to one (1) pass each per U.S. Armed Services member, one (1) additional adult pass to an immediate family member, and up to four (4) passes to minor children immediate family members. 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.
Factory Tours
Harley-Davidson® Factory Tours in Wisconsin are back and better than ever! Guests are invited to “Walk the Line” and enjoy an all-new guided tour of the Powertrain Operations factory in Menomonee Falls, Wis. This tour takes place on the actual factory floor. The sights and sounds of the manufacturing of H-D® engines and transmissions is an experience like no other. This is a walking tour lasting about one hour. Safety goggles and vests are provided. Fully enclosed walking shoes are required (1-inch heels max). Our highly rated ‘Engines 101” Class is also back in session! Tours and classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays (excluding major holidays).
Advance reservations are required. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum Web Store to make yours. Private group reservations may be accommodated; call 414-287-2789 for more information or reach out to us at groups@h-dmuseum.com.
MUST-SEE EXHIBITS AND INSTALLATIONS
“My Papi Has a Motorcycle” / “Mi Papi Tiene una Moto” (closing Nov. 3)
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.
“Ezy Ryders: History & Tradition, Heart & Soul” (opening Nov. 23)
Come along for a ride with photographer Cate Dingley as she gets to know the community of Black riders found throughout New York City in the early 21st Century. Dingley spent five years embedded with motorcyclists from all walks of life in NYC to uncover the common bond they shared over a life on two wheels. Her hard work would live on as a book, titled after the Jimi Hendrix tune, “Ezy Ryder.” Some folks come from longstanding motorcycling families, others only recently discovered how riding can change a life or a club. Dingley’s photographs are paired with commentary in the riders’ own voices about what riding means to them and provide an intimate look at the passion found in the saddle of a motorcycle.
“Creating a Legend: Art & Engineering at Harley-Davidson” (now open)
At Harley-Davidson, design and engineering work together to create machines with big emotional impact. Functional improvements fuel changes in look and feel, yet visual or market desires also shape operating innovations. The process of how ideas move from concept to prototype, and production involves a lot of people and many kinds of materials. From pencil and paper to CAD, clay, and 3-D printing, see how Harley-Davidson design and engineering teams have envisioned iconic products for over 120 years. You can also take the opportunity to create your own masterpiece with sketch paper and hang your artwork in the H-D Museum.
For over 100 years, Harley-Davidson has created strong bonds with those who fight for our freedom. In the Harley-Davidson Museum’s latest Google Arts & Culture exhibit, read through a brief look at how the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, employees and riders contributed to the defense effort during World War II. Then make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum and experience the gallery dedicated to World War II, including the famed WLA, “the bike that won the war.”
Harley-Davidson® Shop
Bundle up in our warmest new additions to the Harley-Davidson® Shop and H-D.com. And it’s never too early to start thinking about checking off your holiday shopping. Take the stress out of gift giving with unique presents found at the H-D Shop and Harley-Davidson Factory Outlet. Naughty or nice, there’s something for everyone to be found at the H-D Museum.
MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant November specials
We’re leaning into Harvest season with this month’s specials. Chef Doug Stringer has prepared a slate of hearty autumn specials, cozy up and enjoy!
Ginger Peary-yaki Wing
Our seasoned, house-smoked chicken wings fried until crispy and tossed with a zingy ginger-and-pear-infused teriyaki-style sauce. Served with carrot and celery sticks and choice of ranch or bleu cheese dip.
Autumn Bruschetta
Grilled focaccia smeared with a tapenade of kalamata, Castelvetrano and cured black olives. Served with a relish of persimmon, pine nut, Shiso & red onion.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Tender chunks of hickory-smoked turkey in a savory broth with carrots, celery, onion and farfalle pasta.
Fall Harvest Gnocchi
Crispy potato gnocchi tossed in brown butter, sage, Asian pear, shitake mushrooms, caramelized onions and arugula, topped with LaClare Farms goat cheese.
Black Tea Pecan Bread Pudding with 5 Spice Apple Gelato
Toasted pecans and brioche in a Sante Fe Black Tea-infused custard. Served warm and topped with house made Chinese 5 spice apple gelato.
Save the Dates:
Breakfasts with Santa in Rumble, Dec. 1, 8 & 15
Marquette Thursdays at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus, begins Dec. 5 (select Thursdays)
H-D Factory Outlet Sale, Dec. 26 – 28
Monster Jam / Milwaukee Public Schools Mitten Drive, Jan. 9
Milwaukee Museum Days, Jan. 23 – Feb. 2
Official Mama Tried Pre-Party, Feb. 20
H-D Homecoming™ Festival, July 10 – 13, 2025
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.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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