The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum shares how Mr. Ford went from growing up in Grand Rapids to serving as our 38th President
The galleries and exhibits include the oval office decorated as it was during Gerald Ford’s administration, a cabinet room that you can take a seat at the table and learn about issues during the presidency, documents and information pertaining to President Nixon, and so much more.
Going into our visit to the Ford Presidential Museum I didn’t know much about Gerald Ford. Walking through the museum was really interesting. I learned a lot about US history along with insights into Gerald Ford as our president.
One of the first things you see when you walk into the museum is this piece of the Berlin Wall.
I love that museums are becoming more interactive and hands on. Giving you the chance to feel what it is like to make decisions. At the Ford Museum you can sit at the table in the cabinet room and answer questions and see the results. We spent a lot of time sitting here going through the questions. It was a great hands on learning activity that we both enjoyed.
Walking through the Ford Museum is like walking back in time. The clothes, the cameras, the music, the magazines all show what life was like during Ford’s era. I saw a few suits that I think my Dad may still have buried in his closet. The cameras on display are amazing. To see just how far we have come with technology in a short period of time.
One of the highlights of our trip to the Ford Museum was interacting with one of the security guards. She saw John taking pictures and pointed out a few artifacts that we had missed during our walk through. She explained their importance and why she thought John would love them. It was a great moment talking with her. We could tell how much she loved the museum and sharing it with guests. She told us about how many school kids come through each year and how much she loves sharing the museum with them.
If you are visiting Grand Rapids a trip to the Ford Museum is well worth it! You can take as little or as long as you like to visit the museum. There is something for everyone. We really enjoyed our time in the museum and we are not normally museum people. The interactive displays and information was great. We both learned a lot and enjoyed our time wandering through the museum.
Travel Information
Gerald Ford Presidential Museum is located at 303 Pearl St, NW Grand Rapids, Mi
Phone – 616-254=0386
Hours of operation
9am – 5pm Open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
For additional information on the Gerald Ford Museum please visit their website at www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov
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Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
We love visiting museums, especially ones that are interactive. i love that you can sit at the cabinet table and answer questions. I don’t know much about President Ford, but this looks like a fascinating place to learn more about him.
Yona Williams says
I’ve been to Grand Rapids a handful of times, and did not know this museum existed. I used to live about an hour or so away. Oh wow, when I first saw the picture, I did not know that was a piece of the Berlin Wall…that is pretty cool. Overall, the museum wouldn’t normally be my cup of tea, but from your pics, it looks surprisingly interesting.
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
Thanks so much for sharing. I’ve only been to one presidential type museum and it was super interesting. I’ll be watching for this one if we ever have the opportunity to travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan. I love all of your photos, thanks for sharing.
Joanne T Ferguson says
I did not know there was a museum dedicated to Gerald Ford! What a truly remarkable man! I had the pleasure of meeting him personally in a funny, adventurous sort of way! But he was happy to shake my hand too!
samantha says
I love going to museums. It’s so much fun and I’m always thirsty for knowledge. I’ve only been to passing ones in Ontario and the ones in Niagara falls but seems like none were nothing like your experiance ) great pictures too
Ourfamilyworld says
Visiting museums is one of our favorite activities to do during summer. It’s a great way for kids to learn about history and other things. We haven’t been to Michigan, yet, but the Ford Museum will surely be on our list when we go there.
rika says
Sounds like a great museum to visit! I never been to Michigan. My kids and i love visiting museum and park! I love that they’re open on Sunday. We have at least one great museum in San Diego. The Museum Train is pretty amazing, fun for kids
Roch says
We don’t have a lot of interactive museums here so I really appreciate having a visual tour at yours. That big conference table looked so real. I want to have a chance of sitting in one of those chairs and feel how is it to have a meeting in such a room. The Ford Museum is awesome!
Kita says
I love history and to learn different things and to have a museum dedicated to you is awesome. I would be in there for hours learning and piecing things together. I have only been to Michigan once and I would love to go back