The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan is a must-see destination for history buffs and families alike. The museum offers a wealth of exhibits and activities that highlight American innovation and ingenuity.
Here are 11 things to do at the Henry Ford Museum that you won’t want to miss:
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See the original Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer:
The Henry Ford Museum is home to the world’s first successful airplane, the 1903 Wright Brothers’ Flyer. This groundbreaking aircraft is on display in the museum’s Transportation Hall and is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts.
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Explore the Presidential Limousines:
The museum’s Presidential Limousines exhibit features a collection of presidential vehicles dating back to the 1930s. See the cars used by presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Barack Obama.
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Check George Washington’s camp bed
One of the most unique and interesting artifacts in the museum’s collection is the camp bed that belonged to George Washington. This simple, but sturdy, bed was used by Washington during the Revolutionary War and is an important piece of American history. It’s a fascinating artifact that gives visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of one of America’s most important historical figures.
The bed is a reminder of the sacrifices and hardships that Washington and his soldiers faced during the war and how they were able to overcome them to secure America’s independence. The Henry Ford Museum is a must-see destination for history buffs, and George Washington’s camp bed is definitely one of the highlights of the collection.
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Check out the Henry Ford Collection of American Cars:
The museum’s American Cars exhibit features a collection of over 100 American-made cars dating from 1903 to the present. See some of the most iconic vehicles in American history, including a Model T, a 1955 Thunderbird, and a 1967 Shelby GT500.
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Visit the Greenfield Village:
The museum’s Greenfield Village is a living history museum that offers a glimpse into America’s past. The Greenfield Village, a collection of nearly 100 historic buildings on a 200-acre (80-hectare) site in Dearborn, Visitors can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, see live demonstrations of 19th-century crafts and trades, and visit homes and buildings that have been moved to the village from their original locations.
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See the Rosa Parks Bus:
The museum is home to the actual bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Civil Rights Movement.
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Take a ride on a train:
The museum’s train exhibit features a collection of historic trains and train cars, including the Union Pacific Big Boy, the largest steam locomotive ever built. Visitors can take a ride on a steam-powered train for an additional fee.
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Check out the innovation Nation:
The museum’s innovation Nation exhibit features a collection of interactive displays and exhibits that highlight American innovation and invention. See a replica of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory and learn about the history of the telephone and the light bulb.
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See the John F. Kennedy Limousine:
Visitors can see the presidential limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. The limousine, a Lincoln Continental convertible, was custom-built for Kennedy by the Ford Motor Company and was used by the president during his time in office. The vehicle was in the Presidential motorcade on November 22, 1963, when Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. The limousine was later rebuilt and modified by the Secret Service and was used by Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Gerald Ford. The limousine on display at the Henry Ford Museum is the actual vehicle that was used on the day of Kennedy’s assassination, and it has been preserved as a historical artifact. Visitors to the museum can see the limousine up close and learn about its role in American history.
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Visit the Ford Rouge Factory Tour:
The museum’s Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the Ford Motor Company’s assembly line.
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Take a walk through the museum’s historic homes:
The museum’s historic homes exhibit features a collection of homes that have been moved to the museum from their original locations. Visitors can take a walk through homes from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and see how American families lived in the past.
In conclusion, The Henry Ford Museum is a must-see destination for history buffs and families alike. The museum offers a wealth of exhibits and activities that highlight American innovation and ingenuity. From seeing the original Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer to exploring the Presidential Limousines and visiting the Greenfield Village, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Henry Ford Museum.