There is a new museum in Newburgh, NY which is worth a visit and family friendly. Whether you are a biker or just enjoy a little Americana history this is for you. As an innkeeper of a local B&B we are always looking for things for our guests to enjoy. Years ago my husband Joe owned Spear’s Motorcycle Shop with his brothers. Joe raced for many years and we still do road trips on his 1986 Suzuki Calvalcade so this museum was right up our alley.

Three hundred and sixty motorcycles are on display in all shapes and sizes, in a clean well lite environment. Attractive displays, easy to navigate, good placards and unbelievable variety.

The first floor has a separate room with Indian Motorcycles. Indians were manufactured from 1901 - 1953 in Springfield MA, by 1910 they were the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. When my Joe and I were touring the room only two models of Indian were missing and there were signs to say they would be on display soon.

You may think ‘Wow’ 1910, but on display is the oldest running motorcycle the ‘DeDion Bouton’ from 1897. DeDion Bouton was an early manufacturer of high speed lightweight combustion engines which were sold to Indian and Harley Davidson in the early days of motorcycles.

Next to the Indian room are motorcycles of all shapes and sizes from custom, choppers and racing bikes. The Antique Motorcycle Foundation is represented on one of the sections.

Downstairs Military, Police, early Harleys and British bikes are represented There is also an area which will be having special shows and educational events in the future.

This museum was the brain child of the Doering family who have been into motorcycles since the early years. Many of the motorcycles are from the family’s private collections and others are on lend from all over the country.

The museum is in it’s early stages and has many plans for the future, it is definitely worth the trip.

Kathy Spear

kathy@thedominionhouse.com

The museum is open Thursday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 1pm - 5pm at 250 Lake St., Newburgh, NY. You can go to their website www.motorcyclepediamuseums.com or call 845-569-9065.