The Henry Ford Museum Walk Through History
Celebrating American Ingenuity and Manufacturing
Sep 27, 2009
The Henry Ford Museum was born out of the desire to recognize and preserve the items used in the everyday lives of ordinary people. As time creeps along people may not realize the changes that take place and the advancements that “regular” people make. Henry Ford recognized that it was these “regular” people that made the huge differences in our lifestyles and he wanted to chronicle these steps to inspire future generations.
The Henry Ford Museum’s Automobile in American Life
When people think of Henry Ford, cars obviously come to mind. It is no surprise that there would be a vast car collection at the Henry Ford Museum, but they are not there to show off. They are there to learn.
The automobile is a huge part of American life and culture. The Automobile in American Life exhibit goes through the timeline of how the car has affected life in America. Cars have changed everything from motels to diners. It virtually created the fast food industry. It’s interesting to see the evolution of these industries as the popularity of the car grew. It will bring back memories and teach what others experienced.
The Presidential Vehicles shines a light subject not often thought about. Today we know that the Presidents have highly protective vehicles, but we usually don’t pay attention to them. Here people will see the very car that President Kennedy was assassinated in. There are also others vehicles that Presidents used in the 20th century, including a couple of horse drawn carriages.
Heroes of the Sky at The Henry Ford Museum
Henry Ford was fascinated by manned flight. Many people may not realize that he was involved in financing some expeditions and made motors specifically for planes. Ford had a special place in his heart for the Wright brothers so he made a replica of the Wright Flyer representing the very first flight.
Walking beneath the giant Douglas DC-3, when entering the exhibit, is breathtaking. There is a section on Admiral Byrd’s flight to the North Pole. The plane he flew was a Fokker F-VII and called the Josephine Ford, in honor of Henry Ford’s only granddaughter. It’s on display for people to see. There’s a display honoring women in flight as well as the dare-devil years of barnstorming. Any flight lover must see the Heroes of the Sky.
The Henry Ford Museum has Your Time in History
As interesting as past generations are, it’s sometimes eye-opening to look at our own past. Your Time in History is a unique look at the different recent generations. Through the Baby Boom generation to Generation X and Generation Y the visitor sees how teens and life has changed, and how it’s stayed the same.
The Henry Ford Museum also shows the progress of life through the years. People can see how the kitchen has changed in America, from an open fireplace to a full modern kitchen with all of the modern appliances and everything in between. Even the living spaces have changed over time. It’s interesting to see the difference between a 1920’s living room and a 1970’s living room.
With Liberty and Justice for All is an exhibit that chronicles the fight for freedom from the Revolutionary war to the Civil Rights movement. Though much still needs to be done in this area, much has changed over the years. People will see the chair where President Lincoln was assassinated in and the bus Rosa Parks stood for her rights, or rather sat for her rights. Honoring the sacrifices made by many people from many backgrounds is humbling. It's a reminder that great people like President Lincoln, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. where “regular” people and inspires people to make a difference too.
The Henry Ford Museum is a journey through history. Not just the history of America, but how Americans affected the world. It’s moving and amazing and awe-inspiring. “Regular” people have moved the world. The Henry Ford Museum makes people realize they are just “regular”.
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