The research room at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is open to researchers by appointment only on Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to ford.library@nara.gov. For additional information about scheduling and planning a research visit, please refer to the Ford Library Research Room Procedures.
The Library's exhibit spaces are open to the public, Monday through Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For additional information about planning a visit, please see Ford Library Lobby and Exhibit Spaces.

Gerald R. Ford Library

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.

Library Basic Facts:

Groundbreaking: January 15, 1979
Opened to the public: April 27, 1981
Cost of construction: $4.3 million
Square footage: 50,000 square feet

Hours of Operation

Lobby and Exhibit Spaces: Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Research Room: Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. by appointment only.
Closed on Federal holidays – View list of Federal Holidays and Research Room Closings.

Admission

Admission and Parking is free.

Ann Arbor, MI

1000 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI  48109

734.205.0555

Collections

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.

View Library Collections


Many important materials from our textual and audiovisual collections have been digitized and are now available online.

View Digital Collections

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.


Exhibits

Permanent Exhibit

President and Mrs. Ford

President Ford's life is told through a permanent exhibit of over 100 seldom-seen documents and photos, plus a biographical film.

Temporary Exhibit

Gerald Ford and members of the press at his Vice Presidential confirmation hearing.

Gerald Ford, the 25th Amendment, and the American Vice-Presidency

Now on display

This original temporary exhibit honors the 50th anniversary of Gerald R. Ford’s Vice-Presidency. The exhibit features artifacts from the Museum's collection. It examines Gerald Ford's unique ascent to the Vice-Presidency, and explores how the office has changed over time.

Upcoming Programs and Events - Ann Arbor

All programs are held at the Library unless stated otherwise


Date Event
  Exhibit in Ann Arbor

 

Gerald Ford, the 25th Amendment, and the American Vice-Presidency

Ongoing

This original temporary exhibit honors the 50th anniversary of Gerald R. Ford’s Vice-Presidency. The exhibit features artifacts from the Museum's collection. It examines Gerald Ford's unique ascent to the Vice-Presidency, and explores how the office has changed over time.

  Events in Ann Arbor
April 9, 2024

7:00 PM

Barbara McQuade

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation welcome Barbara McQuade to discuss her recent book, Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America. Listen to Ms. McQuade discuss the ways disinformation is impacting democracy, and practical solutions that can be pursued to strengthen the public, media, and truth-based politics.

Doors open at 6:30 PM. The progam begins at 7:00 PM.

Coffee and Dessert Reception to follow with book sales and signing.

Free to the public. Registration to attend in person is encouraged. Please note that the auditorium seats 200 only and overflow seating in the lobby will be limited.

Register to attend this event virtually over Zoom.


Education

Students and Classes

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.

In person educational opportunities are suspended until further notice.

Plan an Event

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.

Venue highlights

library main lobby

Library Main Lobby

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

library auditorium

Auditorium

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

library classroom

Classrooms

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

library courtyard patio

Library Courtyard

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.

More Information

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 Library as an educational, research, or cultural institution (no weddings, proms, or similar events).

Call: 734-205-0569 / E-mail: Terra Brock

View/Download Rental Documents:


College Work Study / Interns / Volunteers

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.

More Information

College work study, internship, and volunteer opportunities are suspended until further notice.