Things to do in Gerald R. Ford Museum: An Easy Checklist for Your Visit
Gerald R. Ford Museum is a museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan dedicated to the life and times of President Gerald Ford. The museum’s exhibits include photographs, films, letters from President Ford and other personal effects belonging to the president and his family. It also includes an interactive exhibit about the 1974 Republican National Convention in which he was nominated for Vice-President of the United States with President Richard Nixon.
The museum provides school tours that focus on different aspects of American history such as civil rights or sports history. The tour guides offer insight into these eras through hands-on activities and special presentations by national experts in their respective fields. They also provide information about how people can get involved with local public programs related to these topics at museums across
If you’re visiting Michigan, it’s worth your time to stop by the Gerald R. Ford Museum. It’s always a good idea to have an easy checklist for your visit.
Things You Can do during your visit in Gerald R. Ford Museum:
1) Check out all galleries!
The museum has eight galleries on three floors of exhibits about Gerald R. Ford’s life and career, with a special emphasis on his years as president while rebuilding America following Watergate and Vietnam. A self-guided Presidential Motorcade route through the Ann Arbor community was also installed in 1977 for visitors to drive themselves through the streets of the President’s home town, learning more about his life and work along the way.
2) Take pictures with the statue of President Ford!
Visitors can pose for pictures on the steps of Ford’s Presidential Museum with an impressive bronze statue that depicts him at his presidential desk in the Oval Office.
3) Check out the museum store for books and souvenirs!
You can find a variety of Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum souvenirs at the museum store, as well as books about his life and presidency that are worth reading before or after your visit to Grand Rapids.
4) Read about his life and accomplishments in the exhibits and explore interactive displays!
Visitors will find lots of information about Gerald R. Ford’s life and career in the exhibits on displays throughout the museum, along with many interactive activities for kids who want to learn more about history or play a game while they’re visiting this popular attraction.
5) Visit the museum’s art gallery to see paintings of Gerald R. Ford!
The museum’s collection of paintings and sculptures includes several pieces that were donated by Gerald R. Ford himself, including a portrait of him in his younger years by artist Robert Thom which hangs near the entrance to the main gallery on the second floor.
6) Stop by the Gerald R. Ford Library to see an original copy of President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon!
The library is located on the museum’s first floor and includes rare books, personal effects of President Ford himself, as well as some original documents that are worth checking out. A copy of his Presidential Pardon of Richard Nixon hangs near the entrance to this collection.
7) Get your picture taken in front of one of our famous cherry blossom trees that are planted on the grounds!
The museum’s grounds include a variety of cherry blossom trees that were planted around the time Gerald R. Ford was elected to Congress in 1949, and they have become one of the area’s most popular attractions each spring when their flowers begin blooming along Monroe Street. Visitors can pose for pictures with these beautiful blossoms at any time during your visit to the museum.
8) There are interactive games and activities that make learning fun!
The museum offers numerous hands-on activities and interactive displays that focus on different aspects of American history such as civil rights or sports history. The tour guides offer insight into these eras through hands-on activities and special presentations by national experts in their respective fields. They also provide information about how people can get involved with local public programs related to these topics.
9) See The Oval Office replica created using authentic materials from when President Ford served in office!
The museum’s replica of the Oval Office uses wood and other materials that were actually used by President Ford during his years as president, making it a unique experience for visitors to sit at his desk or take pictures in front of this special display.
10) Have fun!
The most important thing to do when visiting the museum is to have fun! The staff is always happy to answer questions and share more information about the exhibits or President Ford’s life, so don’t be shy! Just ask a tour guide if you have any questions.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a popular destination in the region, and tourists come from all over to experience this historical attraction firsthand. From interactive activities for kids who want to learn more about history or play a game while they’re visiting this popular attraction, to paintings of Gerald R. Ford that are donated by him himself, there are plenty of things you can do when you visit our museum!
If you enjoy visiting museums, and want to explore a new one on your next trip to the area, we’ve outlined some of our most popular attractions.
See you on our next blog!