Hershey, PA | America’s Transportation Experience opened the Stillwater Motorcycle Works Gallery with a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 27th. The opening marks the completion of a total renovation of the popular lower-level motorbike gallery space. “This is the most significant step we’ve taken to establish a permanent home for our continuous motorbike-related exhibits,” said Rob Kain, Director of Museum Advancement, and co-curator for motorbike activity.
The new exhibit space captures an area representing a faux vintage motorcycle shop, named the Stillwater Motorcycle Works. The project was made possible by the generous contributions of the Ralph and Madeline Swenson family of York, PA. “We are so grateful for the incredible kindness and support we have received from the Swenson family,” added Dave Russell, who co-curates the space with Kain.
Ralph Swenson has a long history with the motorcycle industry. He was one of the original 13 investors who purchased the Harley-Davidson division from AMF in 1981 and served as its President until his retirement in 1986. His family has preserved his personal motorcycles and memorabilia for future generations to enjoy. “Our museum is so fortunate to have this wonderful relationship with the Swenson family, and this exhibit space continues to grow in popularity with our guests,” said Kain. The exhibit showcases two Harley-Davidson bikes with sidecars that Mr. and Mrs. Swenson used to promote the company and its products after the buyout. The new exhibit showcases these and other important historical memorabilia from the Swenson collection.
