The Gerald R. Ford Library collects, preserves, and makes accessible to the public a rich body of archival materials on U.S. domestic issues, foreign relations, and political affairs during the Cold War era, focusing on the Ford administration. It also offers a wide variety of special events, speakers, book signings, forums, educational workshops, films, and other programs. And, in addition to the permanent timeline exhibit on the lives of Gerald and Betty Ford, the Library mounts several small temporary exhibits each year.
The Library is part of the Presidential libraries system of the National Archives and Records Administration, a Federal agency. Unlike other Presidential libraries, the Ford library’s library and museum components are geographically separate. The Library is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the North Campus of the University of Michigan, while the Museum is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 130 miles west of Ann Arbor.
The 1974-77 Presidential papers of Gerald Ford and his White House staff form the core Ford Library collection. These are supplemented by the pre- and post-presidential papers of Gerald Ford, the papers of Betty Ford, collections of Federal records, and more. Former government officials have donated personal papers, researchers in the period have given copies of research interviews, and private individuals associated with the issues and events of the time have given their materials.
Many important materials from our textual and audiovisual collections have been digitized and are now available online.
The Library is open to the public without appointment. Advanced consultation with an archivist is recommended to ensure that there are materials relevant to your topic and that those materials are open to research.
President Ford's life is told through a permanent exhibit of over 100 seldom-seen documents and photos, plus a biographical film.
Extraordinary Circumstances
Opens December 17, 2019
Included in this exhibition are photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, David Hume Kennerly. Kennerly was President Ford’s personal photographer; many of the images included will show the remarkable access Ford granted Kennery. This exhibit is a reprise of the display that was on display in Grand Rapids at the Ford Presidential Museum.
All programs are held at the Library unless stated otherwise
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Exhibit in Ann Arbor | |
Currently Closed |
Extraordinary Circumstances: The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford Included in this exhibition are photographs taken by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, David Hume Kennerly. Kennerly was President Ford’s personal photographer, many of the images included will show the remarkable access Ford granted Kennery. This exhibit is a reprise of the display that was on display in Grand Rapids at the Ford Presidential Museum. |
| Events in Ann Arbor | |
| Wednesday, April 21, 2021 7 PM EDT |
Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead Join the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum in welcoming General Jim Mattis, U.S. Marines (ret) & 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense, to discuss his recent book Call Sign Chaos. About the book:Call Sign Chaos is the account of General Jim Mattis’s storied career, from wide-ranging leadership roles in three wars to ultimately commanding a quarter of a million troops across the Middle East. Along the way, Mattis recounts his foundational experiences as a leader, extracting the lessons he has learned about the nature of war-fighting and peacemaking, the importance of allies, and the strategic dilemmas—and short-sighted thinking—now facing our nation. He makes it clear why America must return to a strategic footing so as not to continue winning battles but fighting inconclusive wars. Call Sign Chaos is a memoir of a life of war-fighting and lifelong learning, following along as Mattis rises from Marine recruit to four-star general. It is a journey about learning to lead and a story about how he, through constant study and action, developed a unique leadership philosophy, one relevant to us all. This event is co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library and Museum as well the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. |
| Thursday, April 22, 2021 7 PM EDT |
The Zealot and the Emancipator The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, Library/Museum and the Hauenstein Center, are proud to bring back a close friend in Professor H.W. Brands. In his most recent book, The Zealot and the Emancipator: John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, and the Struggle for American Freedom, Brands tells the story of two adversaries who had a different vision of what the future of the United States should look like. In what Kirkus has called “an outstanding dual biography,” Brands brilliantly illustrates how two American giants shaped the war for freedom. |
| Monday, April 26, 2021 Noon EDT |
America’s First Ladies Luncheon 2021 The 2021 America’s First Ladies Luncheon theme is ‘Always in Bloom: Betty Bloomer Ford.’ |
The Ford Library welcomes individual students and classes to visit the Library for educational opportunities. For those unable to visit the Library in person, you can still conduct research using online materials.
For further information, contact Stacy Davis: (734) 205-0563
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, conveniently located on the University of Michigan's North Campus, offers a prestigious venue for a meeting, reception, or dinner.
The expansive main lobby of the Library is an exceptional setting for dinners, special addresses, and receptions. A variety of permanent and temporary exhibits serve as an impressive backdrop.
Capacity: Sit-down dinner - 120 / Standing reception - 250
The 1,700 square foot stage and audio/visual equipped auditorium has the versatility to accommodate symposiums, educational presentations, cultural events, award ceremonies, and musical performances, among others.
Capacity: 200
These areas are ideal for meetings and seminars where participants need a classroom atmosphere and set-up. The classroom can be divided into two rooms, with excellent layout possibilities.
Capacity: Full Room - 40
For seasonal functions, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library grounds are available. The patio, well-groomed lawn and garden backdrop offer the perfect venue for more casual company events.
General availability for all spaces is Monday – Friday between the hours of 8 AM – 9 PM. Contact the Library for information about scheduling an event, rental fee structure, or to review regulations on use of the facility and the application process. Events must be consistent with the public perception of the Museum as an educational, research, or cultural institution (no weddings, proms, or similar events).
Call: 734-205-0555 / E-mail: ford.library@nara.gov
The Library accepts a limited number of college work-study students, interns, and volunteers each year to assist with processing, preservation, and digitization of textual and audiovisual holdings. Student workers, eligible for the College Work-Study Program at the University of Michigan, and interns are often graduate students in archival studies, while volunteers range from high school students to retirees.
For college work-study opportunities, contact Stacy Davis: (734) 205-0563
For intern and volunteer opportunities, contact Geir Gundersen: (734) 205-0556
