The first night we arrived in Detroit we were shuttled off to  The Henry Ford museum. What an amazing space! http:

 We had an opportunity to walk around the museum ahead of dinner and speeches. I will be honest I was expecting a museum of Ford vehicles and innovations but that was far from what I saw. It is truly a look back at the history of America. Here is how the website describes The Henry Ford:

“It began as a simple yet bold idea to document the genius of
ordinary people by recognizing and preserving the objects they used in
the course of their everyday lives. It grew into the ultimate place
to explore what Americans past and present have imagined and invented
— a remarkable destination that brings American ideas and innovations
to life. The sheer scope and design of Henry Ford Museum is as grand
as the vision that inspired it. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of
awe as your mind adjusts to a different sense of scale — more vast,
more expansive and more diverse— by far— than anything you’ll
encounter in everyday life. The sweeping, single-floor space with its
soaring 40-foot ceilings covers nine acres dedicated to showcasing the
finest collection of its kind ever assembled.”

Kennedy Presidential Limousine

Many
Americans still remember the tragic day of November 22, 1963 when
President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. See the limousine in which
he rode.

This is Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Motor Company. He came around to chat with us and shake hands. A very personal touch. So friendly!

 Alan Mulally was on hand to welcome all of us and to unveil something pretty special.  He showed of a recently restored piece of artwork called Opening the Highways. It was a Ford advertisement first printed in 1925. The “Opening the Highways to All Mankind” advertisement originally was
placed in the Saturday Evening Post on Jan. 24, 1925. It detailed Henry
Ford’s original vision of providing affordable, safe transportation to
everyone. Ford and The Henry Ford worked together to restore the historic painting.

A snap shot of what Alan Mulally is about to unveil!

Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak on stage with Alan Mulally. Steve was one of the speakers at this year’s conference

 

The very bus that Rosa Parks sat on! She refused to sit at the back of the bus
Right there in the middle is the VERY seat Rosa Parks sat on. WOW. What an special moment. Can’t wait to share this with my family.

 There is so much to see at The Henry Ford. It is a special place. I can’t wait to take my family back to see all the cool stuff in this museum honouring American innovation.

A sweet end to the night

A great way to spend our first night in Detroit! Thanks Ford!

Author: imfreckles