June 2007
If you have never been to
The museum proper features an
eclectic collection of artifacts of the many individuals who made important
contributions to the growth of our country. Walk through Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House, designed to be the strongest, lightest, and
most cost-effective house ever built. See the fully-restored Rosa Parks bus.
Look over the John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan limousines. And without fail,
see the rocking chair
What makes the museum complete is its everyday objects. A fully equipped 1930’s kitchen gives us a glimpse into the daily lives of our parents or grandparents. Ford knew that ordinary objects—clocks, silver and pewter serving pieces, jewelry, clothing, agricultural equipment, furniture, and of course cars—were just as important to preserve as the one-of-a-kind showcase pieces. One object in particular seems to embody both the ordinary and the extraordinary; the 15 millionth and final Model T touring car. Surprisingly, it is painted a nice shade of green.
The 90-acre village preserves many
historic buildings that otherwise may have been lost to us. Seven buildings
associated with Thomas Edison recreate “
The Harvey Firestone childhood home was dedicated by Gerald Ford (another Ford?) in 1985. When the house was moved to the village in 1984, a note was found in the ceiling that was written over 100 years earlier by a 13-year-old Harvey when his parents were renovating the home.
More highlights include the Wright
Brothers home and bicycle shop, the H.J. Heinz house where horseradish sauce
became the first variety, and the Logan County Courthouse from Postville (now
Lincoln),
To learn a great deal more about this fascinating place, go to http://www.thehenryford.org/