One of Pickerington’s prime attractions is revving up a campaign intended to maintain and expand its most popular programs.
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum announced last week it has initiated an endowment to provide permanent support for its exhibition series. For the effort, the museum has partnered with the Columbus Foundation with the goal of building a $5-million fund over the next five years.
"Our exhibitions are one of the best things we do, based on what our guests have told us," said Mark Mederski, executive director of the museum. "This endowment will ensure that we can continue to offer that to them."
The museum traditionally funds its exhibits, which document the history of motorcycling, as well as motorcycling’s contribution to American heritage, through sponsorships and private donations.
However, the costs of building the high-quality displays, the largest expense in the museum’s budget, often exceeds $100 per square foot, according to Mederski.
"While keeping that ’nest egg’ amount safe with the Columbus Foundation’s investment work, the exhibition endowment will consistently provide these funds, meeting our mission and keeping visitors engaged," Mederski added.
Members of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s board — including Melbourne J. "Mike" and Margaret Wilson — are helping establish the endowment. The couple kicked in the first donation, $10,000, and subsequently issued a challenge to other motorcycling enthusiasts and industry supporters.
Fellow board member Ozzie Scofield and his wife, Anne, answered the call with a $50,000 gift, followed by chairman Stan Simpson, who presented the endowment with an additional $60,000.
Vaughn Beals, former board chairman and chief operating officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Co. also contributed with $10,000 in appreciated stock.
"I am pleased to support the museum and assist in making the exhibition endowment fund a reality," Scofield said. "I know the result will be preserving the heart and history of motorcycling."
In addition to continuing its programs, Mederski said the museum may consider a physical expansion as the fund grows. He added that the museum is creating additional positions on its development and fund-raising staff to aid in the effort.
The Hall of Fame Museum, which moved from Westerville to Pickerington in 1999, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for American Motorcyclist Association members and $3 for students.
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