Visit The Henry Ford Museum

If you’re from Michigan, hopefully you have experienced The Henry Ford! 
I’m glad to say that I’ve been there more than once, but a few days ago I participated in my very first guided tour of the place. This behind the scenes look provided a lot of insight not only into the artifacts, but Ford’s intent behind its creation as well. People who have never been might assume that – given its name – it is strictly a showroom of automobile history. Let me assure you, it is that and so much more!

Originally known as the Edison Institute, Ford named it in honor of the great Thomas Edison. Opened in 1929, the Institute was intended as a private school. Ford wanted to create a hands-on learning haven where students were taught about the “extraordinary genius of ordinary people” throughout American history.

In spite of Ford’s original intent to keep the Institute private he couldn’t keep his collections of innovative artifacts a secret. According to our tour guide Sharon, Ford was “a bit of a hoarder” so he had plenty to showcase when he opened the now museum to the public in 1933.

Our tour began with a look at Ford’s deconstructed Model T. While I knew that Ford did not invent the first car, or the first assembly line, I learned that he perfected both to make automobiles affordable and easy for the American people to maintain. Daily, the museum brings in engineers to deconstruct another one of Ford’s Model T’s so that patrons – mostly children – can participate in its reconstruction.

Next, we saw engines extraordinaire from colossal engines, large enough to make you wonder how they were placed there; to self-lubricating engines; to a tiny model of a machine shop from the Industrial Age.

Then we moved on to see the evolution of American farm equipment from small “unitaskers” – only performing one job to the almighty Combine – still in use today that performs three tasks to make farming easier. We seem far removed from a time where farming was a way of life but it’s amazing to consider that our reliance on these giant machines is still great no matter how far removed most consumers are from the process.

From there we explored the “Fully Furnished “ exhibit where we saw four distinct American Kitchens from the 1700s – 1950’s that showed how our society went from working to survive to using “modern” conveniences that led to leisure time. The exhibit made me incredibly thankful for refrigerators and toasters! ( See if you can spot the toaster ? )

A trip to the museum would not be complete without going through the “Early Flight” exhibit. Although I had heard many a story about that epic day in Kitty Hawk, it wasn’t until I saw statues of the Wright brothers flying the first successful plane that I learned that it was operated by lying down in a sling and changing direction using one’s hips rather than a joystick or wheel.

It was also in this exhibit that I first saw Ford’s mini plane that he intended to “fit into people’s offices so that they could fly to work every day”. While it didn’t work out then, I’m sure that there are some fed up commuters who would appreciate revisiting this possibility.

Then, I found my favorite place in the museum – the “With Liberty and Justice for All” exhibit – which boasts the Rosa Parks bus! I was surprised to learn that visitors of the museum can climb onto the refurbished bus and step back in time. It is here that you will also find tributes to the life and times of George Washington, artifacts from the Civil War, photos of Martin Luther King Jr., evidence of the pain and pervasiveness of segregation, tributes to women’s suffrage, and sadly, the Lincoln Chair.

Next, we moved through the much anticipated “Driving America” exhibit. We saw carriages and quadricycles; electric cars – 2which have been around longer than you might think; cars through the eras representing 1903 – 2002; as well as the evolution of presidential vehicles as the focus shifted from show pieces to protection.

We ended our tour by meeting with Melissa ( Film & Media Relations) at Lamy’s – the on-sight 50’s diner where we talked about upcoming events. While I sipped Michigan made Root Beer and 50’s tunes wafted through the air, she talked to us about the upcoming Beatles Exhibit, their ongoing Engines Exposed Display and their infamous “Maker Faire” that I’m told I have to see to believe. At the Faire, modern inventors share their pieces in winding showcase that spans the entire museum and overflows into the parking lot.

Though or 90 minutes tour ended with our entrance into the diner, there was still plenty to see so we continued on our own. We explored the trains to our hearts content and even found an enormous working model display. Upon another visit, I would love to further explore the “Liberty and Justice for All” exhibit; tour the Dymaxion House – which was an unsuccessful attempt to create delightfully futuristic factory manufactured homes; and walk through the “Your Place in Time Exhibit” which highlights beloved artifacts and trends from several decades.

Already considering another visit, I need to look into their different membership options and see what works for me. But, signing up for the free e-newsletter is a must because it will keep me informed about upcoming events and new exhibits.

The Henry Ford Museum, as it was renamed in 1949, is a Michigan treasure where I could easily spend an entire day. It also boasts other facets like Greenfield Village and the Rouge Factory Tour which would require a whole other visit to do them justice. Come check out this wonderful tribute to America’s rich history.

Don’t worry, the Museum is a dynamic excursion that is effortlessly accessible. As an individual with a physical disability, I was delighted to be able to explore to my heart’s content without hindrance. Many a patron brings their wheel chairs and motorized carts can be rented. Our tour guide also shared with us that they will soon offer a tactile tour for individuals with visual impairments.

The Henry Ford is a rare gem appropriate for everything from family fun nights, to field trips, business meetings to date nights and everything in between.

Learn more about Henry Ford Museum

Website: http://www.thehenryford.org/

Address :20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124-5029

Call Center: 313.982.6001 or 800.835.5