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

MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MUSEUM reveals PLANS FOR new 2003 exhibit “HEROES OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON PRESENTED BY PROGRESSIVE MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE”

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the premier museum on motorcycling in America, has announced plans for “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance,” an expansive new exhibit scheduled to open February 2003. The 8100 square-foot installation, the largest ever in the museum’s 12-year history, will chronicle a century of Harley-Davidson people, personalities and products that transformed The Motor Company from an experiment in a backyard shed into today’s billion-dollar success story.

“Harley-Davidson isn’t just an internationally admired marque—it’s a symbol of American ingenuity, innovation and determination,” said Mark Mederski, Executive Director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “While the company’s unparalleled success in creating passionate, lifelong customers has been the subject of countless business case studies, this exhibit will focus on the human side of Harley-Davidson—how the lives and experiences of these Harley-riding heroes helped to create today’s Motor Company.”

Twenty-two exhibit sections, from a replica of the 1903 backyard shed that served as Harley-Davidson’s first “factory” to the story behind Buell, will trace a century’s worth of intriguing history, illustrated by unique photographs, in-depth biographies and rare artifacts.

Displays will include some of the most valuable bikes ever shown publicly, including an original, unrestored1934 Model VD complete with original factory tool kit and a 1920 Banjo-Case Pocket Valve Racer, one of only two examples known to exist. Modern-day classics will range from a replica of the famous Captain America chopper to the 1988 FLHTC that former Motor Company President Vaughn Beals rode cross-country to celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 85th anniversary. And, visitors will meet the many “rule breakers” who helped create that special Harley-Davidson mystique by transcending barriers and conventions—people like ace dirt track racer Tammy Kirk and the man who created the custom category, Arlen Ness.

Curator Ed Youngblood thinks that visitors will find these stories especially inspirational. “This exhibit will be an eye-opening experience for anyone who only knows the more frequently chronicled chapters of The Motor Company’s phenomenal success. While we certainly pay homage to many of the famous names and legendary motorcycles, it is the lesser known—and sometimes overlooked—chapters that make ‘Heroes of Harley-Davidson’ one of the most engrossing as well as entertaining exhibits the Museum has ever offered.”

To celebrate the opening of the exhibit, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame is planning a number of special events and activities, including an exclusive charity preview to be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2003, during Daytona Bike Week. Attendees will have a chance to meet several of today’s “Heroes of Harley-Davidson,” plus be among the first to sign up to win a 2003 Harley-Davidson Heritage Springer Softtail, personally autographed by one of the Motor Company’s best-loved modern-day heroes, Willie G. Davidson. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is also planning additional enthusiast and media events during the weekend of May 2-4, 2003, including a special ride-in for the exhibit’s grand opening celebration.

“It’s only natural that another company known for innovation as well as its involvement in motorcycling sponsor ‘Heroes of Harley-Davidson’,” said Ben Sheridan, General Manager, Progressive Motorcycle Insurance. “Progressive has grown to be the nation’s largest insurer of motorcycles by listening to riders’ needs and innovating to provide them with what they say they want. We’re thrilled to bring an exhibit that honors the heroes of our sport to enthusiasts young and old.”

“Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance” will be open through December 2004. Exhibit details will be released in January 2003.

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. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; noon to 4.p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day; and closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $4 per person; ages 17 and under are admitted free. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About Progressive:

The Progressive group of insurance companies, in business since 1937, is the nation’s largest provider of motorcycle and personal watercraft insurance and ranks fourth in the nation for auto insurance. The company provides all of its customers with competitive rates and 24/7, in-person and online service. The Progressive Corporation, the holding company, has headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio and is publicly traded at NYSE:PGR. More information can be found at www.progressive.com.