President Gerald R. Ford Museum

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is part of the United States Presidential Libraries, which are run and administered by the United States National Archives. It is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the district in which Gerald R. Ford served in the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973. It is near the University of Michigan's Great Rapids campus, at the intersection of Pearl and Scribner Streets. The museum first opened its doors in September 1981. President Ford's Presidential Library and Museum is the only one with two geographically separate buildings. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Museum is on the University of Michigan's Grand Rapids campus. Following Ford's death on December 26, 2006, millions of people paid their respects on the grounds of the museum. A spontaneous memorial of candles, American flags, flowers, and handwritten notes was set up at the museum's Pearl Street entrance. Around 60,000 people watched Ford's coffin arrive for his final resting place at the museum on the night of January 2, 2007 and the morning of January 3. Ford was laid to rest on the grounds of the museum following tributes in Washington, DC and California.

Wategate Exploration

The Watergate break-in, which occurred on June 17, 1972, forever altered politics, the media, and Americans' perceptions of the presidency. This exhibit examines the Watergate scandal through a variety of artifacts, including courtroom sketches and one of President Nixon's tape recorders.

From October 2022 to October 2024

1976 Presidential Election covers the 1976 presidential election, with a focus on the Republican primary race. It highlights the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum's holdings. Documents found in the records of the President Ford Committee (which managed the President's election activity), textual collections of key individuals, and media resources are among these resources.

Upcoming Museum Events Date Time Event

2 p.m. on December 4, 2022

Christmas Story Time

7 p.m. on December 7, 2022

Jonathan Darman as Franklin D. Roosevelt

2 p.m. on December 11, 2022

Christmas Story Time

7 p.m. on December 13, 2022

Watergate: When the 1970s Truly Began with H.W. Brands