A president’s family plays a pivotal role in shaping his character and career. The First Family during Ford’s administration was no exception. Betty Ford was not only a devoted wife, but also a politically attuned and outspoken individual who championed women’s rights. Being forthright with personal struggles helped her remove the societal stigmas attached to breast cancer and substance abuse. Gerald and Betty Ford’s family grew during the Congressional years to include four children – Michael, Jack, Steven, and Susan. All four continue to preserve their parents legacies through the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Artifacts throughout the Museum’s collection reflect the significance of the First Family to the president and the nation as a whole.