Henry Ford Museum – America’s Past and Future

If there’s one thing that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Detroit, it has to be the Henry Ford Museum. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast. After all, Detroit got its nickname, the Motor City, from the very industry that fueled America’s economy for many years.

Ok, Henry Ford Museum is geographically not in Detroit but in Dearborn, an hour away from the city via a bus that’s unreliable. Your best bet is to go there early morning. I took one at 7:15 on Rosa Parks and Michigan Avenue (in front of White Castle) and arrived ten minutes before 8–because traffic was non-existent and there were only few stops with passengers to pick up. Tell the driver to drop you off at the intersection that goes to the Henry Ford Museum. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk. Or more, if you walk like a beauty queen. LOL…

Dearborn is Henry Ford. His name is, indeed, synonymous to a dear town where he was born. His name is everywhere and revered as much as his legacy.

What to do there
There are four options to do there: The Henry Ford Museum, The Factory Tour (no photography allowed), The Greenfield Village and watch a show at IMAX Theater.

Read: Things to do in Detroit

Long before cars were invented, we have this carriage.

Even President Teddy Roosevelt used one. He was not fond of automobiles. He preferred the old-fashioned style of the horse-drawn carriage for public parades and outings. 

This is the first American car that Henry Ford paraded on the street to the surprise of everyone. 

This Locomobile “Old 16” is the FIRST American winner of the FIRST American race. 

Back then, the trains looked like this. 

And then, like this. 

From refinery to retailer, this streamlined tank truck connected service stations across the country.  

For more than 25 years, this Golden Rod held a land speed record for wheel-driven cars. 

When classic cars were born, politicians, the rich and the famous drove one. 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had the FIRST car designed and built for US President. The White House sent five pages of special instructions with the order for this new Presidential vehicle since FDR’s legs were paralyzed by polio. A world war was looming and added security was crucial.    

While riding through the streets in Dallas, Texas, President John F. Kennedy was shot in THIS (below) car — a new, modern 4-door convertible. 

This sleek limousine, first used by President Nixon, provided refuge for President Reagan after he was shot by would-be assassin John Hinkley.  

The luxury cars like this became a hit to American moneyed citizens. 

Years later, sports cars were born. 

In 2011, the winning streak of Ford cars continued when car 21 (below) was driven by Trevor Bayne to victory at Daytona 500. It was a day after his 20th birthday, making him the youngest racer to win the title. 

Anybody who still remembers this cool camper? 

When the Wright Brothers invented the airplane, the way we travel have changed. 

Ford, of course, made this Flivver–but it was too dangerous and expensive.  

Amelia Earhart was the founding of the Ninety Nines, a women aviation group that still exists until today.  

This DC-3 is the Best and the Best-Loved airplane, the one that converted millions of travellers that air travel is safe and practical means of transportation. 

Inside the Henry Ford Museum, you can sit and order on this diner, an old bus which they converted into like this for people to relax and experience what it’s like to be in a real diner.  

So real that even the diner menu plastered on the wall above the counter is original and ancient. The prices are listed in cents–but that’s not the price you pay when you order one. 🙂 

When the clock strikes 2 in the afternoon, be near where this unfinished car is. The mechanic will let you enter the area to help him assemble and fix machine parts. Children and adults are welcome. 

I took a kind of personality test, “What Car Are You?” –and guess what, I’m a 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible! Like a Mustang, I was born with breed for freedom and adventure! How true! So true! 🙂

I also designed my own car by answering questions on the screen. And this is how it looks like in 1947! 

And most of all, this weinermobile is the rock star of all cars inside the museum! LOL…