The Gerald Ford Presidential Library & Museum

Congratulations to Jackie and Bob who completed their Presidential Passport at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library! 🎉🎉🎉

Starting the journey at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, over the past 13 years they have visited 13 NARA Presidential Libraries!

How did two former foes become close allies? Discover the depth of the Anglo-American "Special Relationship" in our newest temporary exhibit, "Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and the Anglo-American Special Relationship."

This immersive exhibit explores five pivotal moments in history, from World War II to the Cold War, and culminates in Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 1976 Bicentennial visit to the United States.

Highlights Include:

🟣The Queen's Gown: On view in the U.S. for the first time, see the elegant gown worn by Her Majesty to the 1976 State Dinner.
🟣The Eisenhower Table: A unique gift from the Queen featuring a map of the D-Day invasion.
🟣Archival Treasures: Explore rare documents, personal correspondence, and gifts that shaped the transatlantic relationship.

How should we read the United States Constitution today?

Join us for "The Original Debates over Constitutional Interpretation" with Jonathan Gienapp, Associate Professor of History and Law at Stanford University. Professor Gienapp will explore the eighteenth-century debates that shaped our founding document and how those historical lenses continue to structure American law today.

This event will also include book sales and a signing of Gienapp's latest work, "Against Constitutional Originalism: A Historical Critique."

When and Where:
June 24: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids
June 25: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library in Ann Arbor

Learn more about the free events: www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/events/all-events?search_api_fulltext=Gienapp

Congratulations to Patricia who completed her Presidential Passport at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum! 🎉🎉🎉

Starting the journey on the East Coast at the JFK Library Foundation, she zigzagged across the country and visited 13 NARA Presidential Libraries!

To learn more about the Passport to Presidential Libraries program, visit: https://estore.archives.gov/ford/product/passport-to-presidential-libraries

Fight the summer learning slump with this great opportunity for K-12 students to explore primary sources in a VIRTUAL summer camp from our friends at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Check out the details below!

This summer is the perfect time to journey through time as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! Join the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum as we explore the life and times of President Hoover, the Declaration of Independence, and his Presidential friends in “Beyond the History Books” virtual summer camp. This virtual summer camp is FREE and open to all K-12 students. If you have a student who likes to explore history while engaging in hands-on STEAM activities and earning prizes, please complete the registration link below!
https://bit.ly/BeyondHistoryBooks

“There is no higher or more solemn privilege than to represent our nation in paying tribute to our honored dead.”

President Ford attended ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day on May 31, 1976. He and Major General Robert Yerks, Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, rendered honors during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

After greeting members of the Tomb Guard at their quarters, the President delivered remarks at the cemetery amphitheater. “All who come to Arlington this Memorial Day must reflect upon the sacrifice made by those countless brave Americans who lie in rest on these hillsides—as beneath silent markers at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, and Pearl Harbor. Their courage won a revolution. Their bravery preserved our republic. Their perseverance kept the peace and ensured us a heritage of freedom,” he said. “It is through their sacrifice that we, the living, have inherited a sacred burden, a trust to honor the past by working for the future.”

NAID: 12082686, 6372839

We are thrilled to announce a historic highlight of our newest temporary exhibit, "Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and the Anglo-American Special Relationship."

For the first time ever in the United States, visitors can see the stunning yellow silk chiffon gown, designed by Ian Thomas, worn by Queen Elizabeth II to the 1976 State Dinner held in her honor. The gown is loaned by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection Trust.

Displayed alongside it, is the elegant green chiffon gown, designed by Luis Estévez, worn by First Lady Betty Ford during that same historic evening.

This iconic pairing celebrates the personal diplomacy and enduring friendship between the Fords and the Royal Family. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these artifacts of international history up close.

📅 Exhibit Dates: May 23 – October 25, 2026
📍 Location: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
🎟️ Tickets & Info: www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum unveils exhibit on 1976 U.S./U.K. relations The museum is opening a temporary exhibit beginning May 23, "Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and the Anglo-American Special Relationship".

Join us this evening for a royal evening at the Ford Museum! 👑

We are thrilled to host a special double program celebrating the enduring connection between Queen Elizabeth II and the American Presidency, followed by a ribbon cutting for our new exhibit, "Waltzing with the Queen: President Ford and The Anglo-American Special Relationship."

Program highlights:
👑Renowned journalist Susan Page will discuss the Queen's remarkable relationships with the US Presidents throughout her 70-year reign.

👑The authors and exhibit creators of "Waltzing with the Queen" will share their experience transforming their book on President Ford and the special Anglo-American relationship into this original museum exhibit.

👑Following the programs, be among the first to experience the stunning new exhibit during the official ribbon cutting! The evening concludes with a strolling high tea reception and a book signing with Susan Page in the lobby.

Register for the free event: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/q4nng24/lp/64470fd6-db07-46e6-8202-4a3a0f60bb8f