Past Exhibits

Visitors can explore some of the key moments of Gerald R. Ford’s Presidency through an exhibition of the works of Pulitzer-prize winning cartoonist Pat Oliphant.

The innovative pop-up exhibition The American Revolution Experience is a collaborative project between the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution. The exhibit asks visitors to consider how the lives of ordinary people were affected by the events of the Revolutionary War, featuring diverse viewpoints and experiences, touching on the journeys of Patriots and Loyalists, men and women, Black and Native populations and even international allies. Through display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts, modern audiences can connect with the fascinating story of our nation’s origin. The exhibit, in the Museum's lobby, will be free to visitors.

During the nation's Bicentennial in 1976, President Ford accepted many Bicentennial-themed gifts on behalf of the American people. Some gifts were crafted by skilled artisans, while others were handmade by an enthusiastic public. Many of these Bicentennial objects prominently featured the American bald eagle. In this exhibit, learn more about the nation’s bird and explore some of the bald eagle-themed gifts in the museum’s collection.

In celebration of the 175th anniversary of the incorporation of Grand Rapids, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is hosting a mobile museum exhibit featuring 175 photos that highlight key moments of the city’s history. The exhibit is presented by the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and representatives from the Grand Rapids City Archives, the Grand Rapids Public Library, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, the Grand Rapids Historical Commission, and the Grand Rapids Historical Society worked together to develop this exhibit with images from their vast public collections. The exhibit, in the Museum's lobby, will be free to visitors.