The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a tribute to the 38th President of the United States from 1974-1977. He served as Vice-President under President Richard Nixon when Nixon appointed him in 1973 to replace Vice President Spiro Agnew. Ford assumed the presidency less than a year later because of Nixon’s resignation.
The Museum is founded in Grand Rapids because Gerald Ford was raised here and represented the city in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949-1973. The permanent exhibits feature an interactive video and holographic presentation that allows visitors to experience the illusion they are traveling with President Ford to popular destinations throughout the world. There is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and a holographic tour of the White House as it was when Gerald Ford was the President. The exhibit features a light and sound show which describes his typical day in the Oval Office.
The museum opened in 1981 and is the only such facility under the auspices of the National Archives and Records Administration to be separate from the presidential library. The presidential library is located approximately 130 miles to the east in Ann Arbor. The President and Mrs. Ford are buried on a hillside spot on the grounds of the Museum. This is a great museum honoring a brave man who never wanted to be President and who did an excellent job to shape the world.
This is an entertaining and educational activity for young and old alike. American history is brought to life through the exhibits, artifacts, videos, and pictures which tell the story of Gerald Ford’s ascension from a humble youth to Eagle Scout, star football player, World War II naval officer, U.S. Congressman, Vice President, and Michigan’s only President. It is best to book a tour in advance.
Visitor reviews say the price of admission is reasonable and the grounds are well maintained. There is inexpensive, convenient parking, a relaxing park overlooking the river, a gift shop, and a large beautiful building. Some visitors say they have been coming to the museum since they were a kid because there are new exhibits that change with the seasons.