How Technology Changed America at the Henry Ford Museum
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Henry Ford…a name most often associated with automobiles. So when I heard of the Henry Ford Museum several years ago, I didn’t think much of it. I appreciate old cars, their beauty, and their history, but it’s not something I actively seek out. However, this past spring, I decided to look into the Henry Ford Museum to see what all they have to offer. I’m so glad I did. Read on to find out why I’d recommend this museum to anyone looking for a new educational vacation for families.
Entering the Museum-The Presidential Cars
My dad raised me to appreciate old cars, but that was where my fascination with them stopped. I didn’t know why people fussed over them or understand why anyone would want to go stare at them. This trip totally changed that understanding. Now I’m content to admire the beauty of old cars and stand in awe of how far technology has advanced in the automobile industry.
When you enter the Henry Ford Museum, you’ll be greeted by several Presidential cars. It is fascinating to examine the cars that carried our nation’s Presidents and see how they’ve been modified for the President’s safety. The car that carried President Kennedy on his ride through Dallas that heartbreaking day is on display. It gave me chills to be standing right next to this piece of history that forever changed our country.
The Old Cars
The museum also takes you on a tour of automobiles through the ages. Here you get a first hand look at how cars have advanced through time. From the very basic, to the most luxurious, and everything in between, I saw cars that I had no idea existed. It was fun to read about them and examine them up close. I decided I should have been born in a different time period because I fell in love with this 1932 Duesenberg Model J Victoria Coupe.
The Trains
The museum also covers the history of trains. From steam engines to modern day trains, you have a chance to get up close and personal to experience what life was like on the rails. My boys have never been big train fans, but this part of the museum held their attention because they could get up close and personal with the trains.
NASCAR
If you have a NASCAR fan in your family, then you’ll definitely want to check out this area. It chronicles the history and advancements in NASCAR from the beginning clear up to today. There are lots of cars and driver suits on display. This section kept our interest even though no one in our family is a huge fan.
Hallmark Ornaments
Yes, I’m serious. There is an entire room dedicated to Hallmark ornaments. A variety of ornaments from each year are displayed in this room along with information about them as you walk around. The boys found this to be such a fun room. They even found some ornaments to add to their wanted list of Toy Story and Incredibles collections.
Airplanes
Did you know that there is an entire 1903 Wright Flyer in the Henry Ford Museum? I had no idea! This room of the museum takes you through the beginning of aviation, and it looks at the technology that makes flight possible. If you have an airplane lover in your family, they’re sure to enjoy this room.
Farming
I’ll admit, I never even would have thought there would be a history of farming at this museum. But boy, was I wrong! You can learn about the tools and machinery farmers of all types use. You can get an up close look at some really cool old farm equipment and learn a history lesson at the same time. The kids can even climb inside a combine and sit in the driver’ s seat. It’s a ton of fun that your little one will remember for a long time! (And if you have a husband who likes old farming equipment, you just might find that he’s just as excited as the kids about this room.)
Antique Housewares
I LOVE antiques, and the Henry Ford Museum is certainly not a place I would have expected to find them. However, they have a ton! From old furniture, stoves, lights, kitchenware, and coverlets (there’s so much more…that’s just all I can remember), I could have easily spent HOURS exploring just this section of the museum. The kids were even amused to see how the things they use everyday have changed over time.
People Who Impacted History
This section is an absolute FAVORITE of my history loving boys. You can see and tour the bus that Rosa Parks was arrested in. You can even sit in the same seat she sat in! The rocking chair that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in is on display, as is a cot that George Washington slept on while he toured the battlefields at the end of the war. Edgar Allan Poe’s writing desk is on display, alongside a drop-leaf dining table owned by Mark Twain. This section of the museum makes the famous people we’ve often read about come alive.
Restrooms, Dining, and Souvenirs
There are plenty of restrooms located throughout the museum. They are nice and clean and usually not very crowded. There is a restaurant you can eat at inside the museum. However, we packed lunches and kept them in a cooler in our car for after our visit. There is also a souvenir shop as you leave the museum. There were some fun items that we considered buying, so take some extra money if you’re into souvenirs.
More to Do-Greenfield Village
There is A TON to do here, but there is an additional cost associated with this experience. Greenfield Village is located on over 80 acres and lets you experience life in America in the past. You can take a ride on a Model-T, jump on a steam powered locomotive, watch a game of baseball from 1867, or enjoy foods from an 1830s menu. There are old stores to visit, working farms to walk through, glass pulling experiences to be had and much more! We ran out of time to visit this area, but I definitely want to return to experience it.
More to Do-Ford Rouge Factory Tour
There is also an additional cost associated with this experience, but it’s one that looks really cool. You’ll get to take a look back at the past vehicles manufactured at the Rouge Complex, while getting a sneak peek at where the Ford F-150 is assembled in the factory. If you’re a Ford fan or an old car fan, then this sounds like an experience you can’t miss.
More to Do-Giant Screen Experience
This activity requires tickets, and we didn’t do it this visit. However, one of the museum workers explained to us that this theater shows stories about America’s past, present, and future on a giant screen. It sounded like lots of fun, and it’s definitely something we plan to experience when we go back to visit one day.
Tips
If you’ve never heard of The Henry Ford Museum, or if you doubted that you’d like it, take it from me…there is something for everyone at this museum. But don’t go thinking you can do it all in a day because you’ll be very disappointed when you run out of time. Stay the night and experience some of the other things the great city of Detroit has to offer.
It’s not cheap to go to this museum, but we felt that for what we paid, our tickets were worth it. You can save money by packing your lunch, drinks, and snacks. They don’t allow outside food or drinks in the museum. But if you get hungry on your visit, they will stamp your hand or tickets and allow readmission to the museum for the day. No one seemed to mind that we ate our lunch in the parking lot.
Final Thoughts
So if you’re looking for a new, enjoyable, educational experience for your family, plan a trip to The Henry Ford Museum. I promise, you won’t be disappointed! (And if you’re looking for some other educational and fun family trips, here are a few more ideas you can check out: explore an ancient fossil park, visit Abraham Lincoln’s home, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!)
