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Enjoy a Free Day at Ford Museum
by Lisa Diggs
In honor of Betty Ford’s 91st birthday, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, will be welcoming visitors for free on Wednesday, April 8th. Whether or not you can make it there for the one-day celebration, this is a great time to visit one of Michigan’s cultural gems.
With Malia and Sasha living in the White House, children all over America have a growing interest in the home and office of the President of the United States, and now until May 24th the permanent exhibits are complemented by a really cool version of the president’s home.
The White House in Miniature, on exhibit until May 24th, is a scale model of the White House that is 60 feet long and 20 feet wide. The replica took more than 35 years to research, design and construct. While I didn’t see the addition of the fancy new swing set yet, the tiny people and furniture that adorn the home will amaze children and adults alike. The detail is so precise that it even televisions within the house appear to be broadcasting.
For those fascinated by the inner workings of the White House, two permanent exhibits at the museum will hold equal delight. The first is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office enhanced by lighting and narration that illustrates a day in the life of President Ford, including voices depicting Ford, Rockefeller, and Kissinger.
The second is a chance to sit at the table in the Cabinet Room. Videos are shown highlighting three major events discussed by President Ford and his Cabinet--the pardon of Richard Nixon, the seizure of the USS Mayaguez, and the New York City financial crisis. They say hindsight is 20/20, but when it comes to the challenges faced by a US President, sometimes even retrospect is not enough to determine what you would’ve done in his shoes.
The 1970’s were a turbulent time. The nation had been torn apart by a scandal in the White House and a very unpopular war. American families were crippled by rising inflation, lost jobs, and a significant fuel crisis. Sound familiar?
Only a handful of states are fortunate enough to have an official Presidential Museum, and perhaps this is an ideal time to take advantage of it. Walking back through time for a few hours is not only entertaining and educational, it’s a great reminder that we have faced horrific challenges before, and emerged stronger and more resilient.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 362 days a year and is affordable even on non-celebratory days. Admission is only $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for senior citizens and military service members, $5.00 for college students with ID, $3.00 for youth ages 6-18, and free for children under the age of 5. Free parking is also available.
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