From a press release issued by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM EXHIBIT IS SHOWCASED AS ONE OF “WORLD’S BEST” IN NEW BOOK

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s current exhibit “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance,” is one of 70 corporate, commercial and museum installations featured in the new book, “Designing the World’s Best Exhibits.” Written by Martin M. Pegler, the book features high-impact visual environments from around the globe, ranging from luxury retail concepts and massive consumer product showcases to multi-million dollar trade show stands. To be included, exhibits had to be more than just a showcase for products or objects—they had to create a seamless brand experience and establish a powerful emotional connection between viewer and subject matter. In addition, exhibit designers had to achieve this objective through innovative visual elements and materials.

These criteria were especially well met by the “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance” concept and design team, which included Mark Mederski, executive director, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum; Ed Youngblood, exhibit curator; William Mahon, exhibit and fixture designer; and Dean DeShetler, principal of DeShetler Design, graphic and exhibit designer.

One example of the team’s approach to engaging exhibit visitors is the full-size replica of the backyard shed and workshop of founders William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, located near the exhibit entrance. Complete with period tools and machinery, including a 2500-lb engine lathe and drill press on loan from the Henry Ford Museum, the structure was constructed from lumber specially milled to 19th century specifications.

Such attention to detail and historical accuracy is a hallmark of the entire 8,100-square foot exhibit. Throughout the 19 themed sections that comprise the exhibit, visitors can immerse themselves in the colorful tales of over 100 individuals, while also admiring 54 rare motorcycles, 150 unique artifacts and a collection of fine art, including officially licensed Harley-Davidson artists. Serpentine walls and edge-to-edge graphics create a rich continuum throughout the visitor’s journey, revealing surprises around each bend—such as an accurate board track racing surface replica, complete with race-ready vintage machines.

“Our mission for this exhibit was to bring Harley-Davidson’s 100-year journey to life, through the stories of the people and personalities who have played important roles in the company’s ride to success,” said Mark Mederski, executive director, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “The machines, artifacts and memorabilia were all selected to illustrate and support their stories, which is a very non-traditional approach to exhibit design.” Mederski points out that while many transportation-themed Museums have extensive collections of rare machines, few create exhibits that consider the hardware secondary to the people associated with the products.

“Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance” has been delighting thousands of visitors since its February 2003 opening. The world-class exhibit, the largest ever in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s history, provides an unprecedented introduction to the intriguing men and women who contributed sweat, inspiration, innovation and passion to build an American icon. Open to the public through the end of 2004, the exhibit has also been featured on national television, including The Travel Channel and CBS News Sunday Morning..

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; $5 for AMA members, $9 for members of other national motorcycling organizations; $8 for seniors; $3 for students age 12 to 17; children age 11 and under are admitted free. A special family rate of $25.00 admits parents and all single children under the age of 18. For more information, call (614)856-2222, or visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.