The Henry Ford has an unparalleled collection documenting the American experience. During an onsite visit you can explore our impressive holdings in Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum and the Benson Ford Research Center. Increasingly you can access collections and information online. We invite you to explore our historical resources.
curatorial department
Curators delve into the rich collections to help understand how the past informs the present. They actively collect and interpret meaningful artifacts to enrich our understanding of the American experience.
conservation services
An important part of our work is caring for historic artifacts. The materials in the collection are wide-ranging, as are the skills needed to preserve them. Our conservators use their scientific and technical knowledge to preserve textiles, paper, metal, plastics, and sculpture.
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research library
The Research Library is the place to personally access the archives, records and collections that document the American experience. An open treasury of research, historical expertise and unparalleled collections, the Research Library is a remarkable public resource for understanding American people, places and things.
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historical programs
Henry Ford believed in learning by doing. He believed in the power of real things to inspire, inform and engage people in ways no image or description could do on its own. Discover and explore the richness of the American experience through a range of historical programs that bring history to life.
collections management
The Henry Ford manages and cares for an extensive collection of 26 million artifacts. Registrars record each artifact, assign each one a unique catalog number and enter important information about it into the collection management system. Multiple storage facilities are needed to house objects not on display.
exhibitions
We present exhibitions that tell stories of innovation, resourcefulness and ingenuity through our extensive collections. Explore the rich interplay of people, objects, and ideas that document the American experience.