Harley Museum Gets Underway

Harley-Davidson officially launched construction of the much-anticipated Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 1 that kicked up more than just a little dirt.
Held on the future Museum grounds at 6th and Canal Streets, the groundbreaking was accomplished in a truly unique Harley-Davidson style: by setting aside the traditional golden shovel and instead, literally “breaking the ground” with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. At the designated moment, legendary Harley-Davidson dirt track racer Scott Parker worked the clutch of a Harley-Davidson XL 883R Sportster motorcycle performing a burnout and sending the dirt flying off the spinning rear tire.
The famous Harley-Davidson rumble combined with flying dirt created an atmosphere of adrenaline and excitement for the hundreds of invited guests, including state and local government officials; representatives of Harley-Davidson riders, dealers, suppliers and employees; current and past company executives; and local business and community leaders.
The Harley-Davidson Museum will draw visitors locally and from throughout the world to experience the people, products, culture and history of Harley- Davidson. The Museum will also be a place where visitors from near and far can meet, share stories and enjoy the green spaces adjacent to the edge of the Menomonee River.
Anticipated to open in 2008, the 130,000 square foot Museum development will feature exhibit space as well as a restaurant, cafe, retail shop, meeting space, special events facilities and the company’s Archives.