Motorcycles have had a long and intriguing history throughout the United States, especially in the Northwest. The Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling helps preserve this rich heritage and provides an engaging, educational experience for first-time motorcyclists and lifelong bikers alike.
The Museum’s Vision
The Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling has a clear vision for the future. Through physical motorcycle exhibits and displays, resources across various digital media, and in-person or online events, the museum has a twofold goal:
- Preserving the Northwest’s motorcycle heritage: This includes keeping accurate records of stories and events from the past. Without these critical archives, the Northwest’s history could quickly get distorted or forgotten altogether.
- Educating the community about motorcycling in the Northwest: With resources and displays, people can learn about motorcycling history in the Northwest. This education not only keeps the past alive and relevant but also helps Americans appreciate it.
Currently, the Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling has no physical location. Its resources are available online and through other museums or public events that host its exhibits. Part of the museum board’s long-term vision is to gain enough support to establish its own location in the Northwest.
The Museum’s History
The Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling has been around since 1994, educating the public on the Northwest’s motorcycle heritage and preserving its fascinating history. For over 20 years, it has collaborated with other institutions, foundations, and businesses to host motorcycle events and displays.
Every year, the museum holds a fundraising event at a physical location. It’s a great way to support and raise awareness of the museum and its efforts.
In June 2004, the museum raffled off a 1973 Bultaco Alpina at a fundraiser. Despite its age, the bike was in exceptional condition, and it attracted motorcycle enthusiasts from all over, including motocross legend Jim “Jimmy the First” Pomeroy. Pomeroy won the 1973 motocross Grand Prix with a Bultaco in Barcelona, Spain, and rode and signed the museum’s motorcycle.
The Museum’s Exhibits
The Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling has worked with organizations to provide educational, world-class exhibits. These displays have included:
- Marymount Motorcycle Week: The museum’s exhibit featured the Death Head Derby, Board Track Racing in Tacoma, Gypsy Tours, the Bonehead Enduro, and Graham Speedway in 2013. In 2014, it featured even more, including the 104-year-old Tacoma Ducks bike club history.
- Let’s Ride! Motorcycling the Northwest: The museum partnered with the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) History Museum to host an exhibition in 2013.
- Motorcycles: The Good, the Bad, and the Custom: The museum worked with the Whatcom Museum of History and Art to host an exhibition in 2005, receiving the annual Mayor’s Arts Award.
Since 1996, the Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling has also taken its displays on the road. The museum has held regular, featured installations at events like:
- Snohomish Antique and Classic Motorcycle Show in Snohomish, WA
- AHRMA Vintage Motocross Weekend in Chehalis, WA
- Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Seattle
- Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Seattle
- Hannegan Speedway in Bellingham, WA
- American Classic in Lynden, WA
- AMA District 27 Awards Banquet in Tukwila, WA
Our country has an incredible motorcycling heritage, and you can get a glimpse of it at the Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling. Check it out online or visit one of the museum’s displays at a physical location near you!
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