Henry Ford Museum 20900 Oakwood Blvd Dearborn, MI 48124
America Rolls!
After visiting the Automotive Hall of Fame, be sure to take a stroll across the parking lot to the Henry Ford Museum and take in the new Driving America exhibition.
This all-new interactive display is more than historical cars. It’s about how the invention and evolution of the automobile has shaped our nation and influenced out lives. The Henry Ford did a great job utilizing digital technology that allows a very interactive and educational experience for all ages. You can virtually test drive a Model T, create your own car commercial, and even take an original survey from the 1940’s that was used for market research. Of course, there are some great cars too.
Created the rugged, affordable Model T, selling more than 15 million units between 1908 and 1927
Revolutionized his company and world industry in 1914 with the moving assembly line
Changed labor dynamics in 1914 by doubling pay for production workers
Henry Ford is credited with putting the world on wheels.
Born on a farm, but hating the drudgery of farm work, Ford’s life changed one day on the road between Detroit and Dearborn: he saw a steam engine moving under its own power. Nearly 20 years later, he built a self-propelled vehicle of his own. As just one of many talented mechanics who tinkered with the horseless carriage, Ford might have been forgotten. But his dream of building a car for the common man set Ford apart from other automotive pioneers. After two automotive business ventures failed, Henry Ford founded Ford Motor Company in 1903 with a handful of talented and dedicated people. In 1908, the first of some 15 million Model T Ford vehicles took to the road.
The Model T met the public’s needs perfectly: inexpensive, reliable, easy to repair, and maneuverable on rough and muddy roads. Ford made the cars inexpensively and efficiently using an automated, moving assembly line. The hard, repetitive work of the assembly line resulted in high employee turnover that reduced productivity. Ford responded to that situation in 1914 when he announced that he would pay his workers $5 per day for just eight hours -- about twice the going rate. Job seekers applied by the thousands and Ford became a hero to workers who now could afford to buy their own car.
In 1923, over half of America’s cars were Model Ts.
