After a meeting of BMW club presidents at the MOA National rally in 1997, then-MOA President Jeff Dean was approached about the possibility of creating a charitable foundation for motorcycle enthusiasts supporting rider safety and education. The following year, a task force was formed and charged with developing the concept of a national educational facility offering rider training and promoting programs for new riders. At the time, it was hoped that the facility could also include an archives and museum or “ride center” to tell and preserve the many stories of our members.

In January 2000, the necessary licensing agreement was finalized and approved by the MOA Board of Directors and later that year, the MOA Foundations received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. Since that time, and through the efforts of many volunteers, the MOA Foundation has become the fundraising arm of the MOA responsible for generating funds to maintain the organization’s mission of rider training and education. The Paul B. Rider Training Grant and Clark Luster Group Training Grant are two of the programs offered by the MOA Foundation to fulfill that goal.

In 2011, the MOA Foundation was restructured under the leadership of then Board President, Greg Feeler and Executive Director Ray Zimmerman and soon after, began to pick up momentum and take the form we recognize today. At that time, the desire to preserve the stories of MOA members in a tangible form came in the form of offers from the membership to donate items they felt would be of interest to our greater community. Sadly, without the physical space to store and display these donations, many simply could not be accepted.

Several years after the MOA’s move to South Carolina, the floor above the organization’s headquarters became available. It was then that former BMW MOA Executive Director Bob Aldridge began working with the MOA Foundation Board taking another step forward and beginning discussions regarding the acquisition of the vacant space to fulfil the long-held dream of a physical MOA Foundation Historical Archive. With the help of many volunteers, demolition of the empty offices began in January 2023.

Construction has slowly but steadily continued since that time, and with each passing month, the project comes closer to the MOA Foundation’s vision of a member space celebrating the rich history of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.

With his strong knowledge of MOA history and a background in general contracting, carpentry and project management, Aldridge and small group of dedicated local MOA members coordinated by Kurt Benson have been instrumental in moving the project forward. Working together with MOA Foundation Board members Tom Gary, Marty Marshal and Dan Finazzo, the design and ultimate look of the facility continues to take shape.

At the October 2024 Board meetings of the MOA and MOA Foundation together with an open house held at the MOA office, members of the boards and interested MOA members were invited to get a glimpse as to what the MOA Foundation Historical Archive “could” look like once completed.

On display that day were many member and MOA Foundation-owned machines in addition to several beautifully restored vintage BMWs on loan from Jack Wells. Also being shown was a zero-mile R nineT owned by Brian Dutcher, an R 100 RS restored by Dutch Lammers and many others.

The stories to be told once the MOA Foundation Historical Archive is complete could include displays highlighting the creation and evolution of the BMW MOA, including our National Rallies, Chartered Clubs, BMW Owners News, long-distance riders, the Grand Coddiwomple and significant women of the MOA. A history of BMW motorcycles including custom, racing and adventure bikes and their riders could also be a prominent part of the facility.

According to Aldridge, the goal of the MOAFoundation Historical Archive is not only to make this a BMW motorcycle museum, but also a collection of artifacts highlighting the achievements of our club, but most importantly our members.

Scheduled to officially open in 2026, in the coming months the MOA Foundation will begin soliciting members for tangible donations for potential display.