closing John Deere museum in Moline IL.

We have heard from a family member that the museum in Moline will be closing October 31 of this year. How can they do this considering how many people enjoy going there and looking at the equipment? It is something that young and old alike can enjoy. This is one way for the elder generation to teach the younger ones how things used to be done. Maybe if people like you and me contact our local John Deere dealership, the museum, or John Deere direct we can stop this closing from happening. I find it kind of strange that in June at the annual auction, they announced the date for next year's auction, now all of a sudden they are closing the place...what's up with that?

They announced the closing several weeks ago.The john deere foundation controlls it ,not the JD company, so there's not much we can do.

What a shame. I've wanted to go there for quite a while.

Don't believe it! There is quite a bit that people can get done if they really want to and make enough noise. History is full of squeaky wheels and they always got grease.

Christitopher

They say it will still be used for special events and auctions.We were up there one day this summer and there were very few people in there and you can buy pretty much the same stuff at the gift shop at the pavilion.They still had some tractors in the shop being restored and tractors out on the lot from the last auction waiting to be shipped out.

I wonder why they are closing it? I've never been there, but a friend of my Dad's went there a while back.

We were there last week on the way to MT. Pleasant. It will be closing and most of the people working there have other been given other work assignments and the building it to be sold.

I wasn't even aware it existed until last week when my wife and I happened to drive through Moline. I figured "well, we will have to check this out the next time we come through." Looks like that won't happen.

Take up a colletction and write them a check I'd imagine they'd keep it open for enough $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[b:bcfbc8fb24]Deere Consolidates Moline Tourism Activities; Will Enhance John Deere Pavilion
[/b:bcfbc8fb24]
MOLINE, Illinois (July 23, 2008)— Deere & Company said today it will consolidate its tourism activities in downtown Moline by enhancing the John Deere Pavilion with new exhibits and a more comprehensive focus. As part of the consolidation, Deere said it will close the John Deere Collectors Center building but will continue offering many of the popular activities geared to collectors and enthusiasts such as tractor displays and auctions.

"The goal is to provide visitors with one place to experience the global nature of John Deere and the company's great history and heritage of advanced technologies and innovative products," said Al Higley, manager of John Deere Branded Properties.

The Pavilion has been a strong success since it first opened in 1997 and became one of the leading tourism attractions in Illinois outside Chicago. Deere said visitors have shown a preference to gain a full understanding of the company's history and future in one location. Enhancements will move the Pavilion's focus from being solely agricultural to include Deere's full range of products and services offered across the globe.

"Deere has a rich heritage that resounds with certain core values. This heritage provides the company with a distinct reputation and instills strong loyalty in customers," Higley said. "By consolidating our Moline tourism activities, we will bring together the best of the programs based on our heritage with displays showing our current and future technologies at the John Deere Pavilion."

Deere said enhancements will be phased in over time to ensure that operations at the Pavilion can continue without interruption. New interactive displays will be added and a broader range of equipment will be shown, possibly including concept vehicles.

Although the Collector's Center building will close by the end of October after seven years of operation, many of the popular programs identified with the Center will remain as part of John Deere's plan, including antique tractor displays and auction events.

"Today visitors come to Moline to learn not only about our leadership position in agriculture but also about the many other aspects of what makes Deere the successful enterprise it is today," said Higley. "Whether it's forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping, wind energy or precision irrigation, the John Deere Pavilion plans to help tell that story."

The John Deere Branded Properties include the John Deere Pavilion, the John Deere Store and the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois. For more information about these properties including the Collectors Center, visit www.JohnDeereAttractions.com.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/newsroom/2008/releases/corporate/23jul2008_consolidate.html

I read on the Deere web site under press releases that the JD Foundation gave $1 million to flood relief so I don't know if the closing is all about money or not.If they have that much money to give away you'd think they could keep the Collector's Center open.