Recently I attended the Ford Digital Summit in Detroit, Michigan. I’ve shared my experience at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with you already, but that was not all Ford had to offer. In fact, while the Atlas Concept reveal was very exciting, my fondest memory of our time away would be found on our very first evening at the Henry Ford Museum.
Henry Ford Museum
The museum is a beautiful building to explore, in fact, even though the museum was closed to the public and having free range to roam, I still didn’t see as much of it as I would have liked. This is definitely a place that you could go back to again and again with your family. So many iconic pieces of American history on display! The very rocking chair that President Lincoln was assasinated in at Ford’s Theater, the presidential limousine that JFK was assassinated in on November 22,1963 and my favourite exhibit, ‘With Liberty and Justice for All’ that features the bus that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on and began her stance on segregation. Sitting in that very seat, listening to Rosa Parks retell the story in her own voice was a moment that brought tears to my eyes, and one that I certainly will never forget.
That night while wining and dining and taking a trip to the candy buffet, we had the opportunity to listen to Scott Monty, the global head of social media for Ford Motor Company, and hear a little bit about J Mays and the design team.
Then there was more time to see the rest of the planes, trains and automobiles on display.
The Rouge Factory
The morning of day two had us up bright and early and on the bus to The Rouge Factory Tour in Dearborn.
Developed between 1917 and 1928, Henry Ford’s ultimate goal was to achieve total self-sufficiency by owning, operating and coordinating all the resources needed to produce complete automobiles.
We first sat in the Legacy Theater for a short screening of the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was fascinating to hear stories such as, how Henry Ford was inspired to create an assembly line after witnessing the way butchers prepared their cuts of meat and seeing videos of days gone by; children bouncing up and down in the back seats of their Model T Fords!
Next we took in the multi sensory theatre, where we literally became part of the assembly process and experienced how the F-150 is made.
And then it was up to the Observation deck where we saw first hand the efforts Ford is making in sustainability. Ford boasts the world’s largest living roof, spanning 10 acres of planted sedum! We learned also about the benefits of having porous pavement and that Ford is turning paint fumes into energy!
Finally, we took a walking tour of the plants assembly line where down below men and a few women were hard at work assembling Ford F-150’s. With all the sophisticated equipment and experienced staff, it was easy to see how far they’ve come from the footage we saw earlier that morning.
What I took away most from my experience at the Ford Digital Summit, was just how much Ford is ingrained into our history. It’s astounding to think that one man had an idea and a dream, that literally revolutionized the world. It was a good look back to the past, especially as this year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Henry Ford, and it was an exciting look into the future of Ford.
Disclaimer: Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the three day NAIAS Digital Summit. I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
So much history and so many touching moments. Looks like a great time
Great pictures! That wiener dog car is a hoot.
Sounds like you guys had a blast. I’ve never been to the Ford Summit, but I have been to the Henry Ford Museum and absolutely loved it. There’s so much to see. I’ve been wanting to go again and take the kiddos this time since it’s been so long.
I would love to go back with my kids too!
Looks like it was very worthwhile. I love that Ford has such a great grasp on social media and they really understand the need to use social media to their benefit. So smart.
they definitely know what they are doing in terms of capitalizing on social media!
Looks like so much fun! love your tourist shots 🙂 I am drooling again over the truck, LOL
it was really interesting to watch the 150’s being made right before your very eyes on the plant floor
Beautiful place, my guys would love to see all these vehicles, especially the hot dog car..hehe
that was a hit for sure! lol
Looks like a lot of fun! I would love to go to the Ford museum someday.
My son would love this! He is all about cars and trucks right now!
It looks like you had a great time and learned a lot thanks for sharing.
I would be pretty excited to see the Oscar Meyer Weiner-mobile!
Looks like a great time! I’m so excited to see the Weinermobile! I actually got to ride in it once and you just can’t be in a giant motorized hot dog without smiling and laughing. It was great time!
I bet! that must have been fun!
I agree I was most amazed by how much Ford has had an impact on our life as we know if today!
yup, what really drove that point home was the police and fire vehicles at NAIAS, whether you drive a Ford or not, Ford is a part of our every day lives.
Looks like you had a great time! All those fab cars in one spot) Thanks for sharing so many incredible pictures with us!
car overload right? it was a great experience!
This was such a blast, and hearing Rosa Parks’ story in the bus was amazing! How could anyone not get teary? 🙂