Values – Ford House https://fordhouse.org Experience the Wonder of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Mon, 16 Jun 2025 13:29:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://fordhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-FordHouse_Emblem_White_RGB-1-32x32.png Values – Ford House https://fordhouse.org 32 32 Visit Ford House for Free During Community Appreciation Day, Sunday, April 21 https://fordhouse.org/news/community-appreciation-day/ Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:35:53 +0000 https://www.fordhouse.org/?post_type=news&p=4862 Ford House is thrilled to announce Community Appreciation Day, a special event dedicated to celebrating the vibrant community that surrounds the historic estate. On Sunday, April 21, 2024, Ford House invites its neighbors for a day of exploration, connection, and fun with free admission.

Community Appreciation Day is Ford House’s way of expressing gratitude to the wonderful individuals and families who make up the community. It’s an opportunity for neighbors to come together, enjoy the beauty of this National Historic Landmark, and forge new connections.

During this special event, visitors can explore the majestic grounds of Ford House, take leisurely strolls through our picturesque gardens, and immerse themselves in the rich history of the estate. Guests can visit The Shop to discover unique gifts and explore the unique exhibitions in the Visitor Center, like The Ford Family Story and Making It Work, a celebration of the staff who cared for the family and the home.

“We are delighted to invite our neighbors to Ford House for Community Appreciation Day,” said Mark J. Heppner, President & CEO of Ford House. “One of our core values is love. Eleanor Ford truly loved Detroit and its people, and this event is our way to express our love for our community. It is a celebration of the remarkable people that exist here, and we look forward to welcoming our community for a day of exploration, connection, and camaraderie.”

Admission to Community Appreciation Day is free, but registration is recommended to ensure a seamless experience for all guests. Visitors can choose either a free House & Grounds Pass, which grants admission to the property, and a self-paced exploration of the Main Residence, or a free Grounds Pass, for those who want to enjoy the grounds and gardens. Guests can visit fordhouse.org/communityappreciationday to register.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate community and connection at Ford House! Join Ford House on Sunday, April 21, 2024, for Neighbor Appreciation Day – a day of free admission, exploration, and camaraderie.

For more information about Neighbor Appreciation Day and to register, please visit fordhouse.org/communityappreciationday.

]]> Women’s History Month: Eleanor Ford’s Love of Philanthropy and the Arts https://fordhouse.org/news/womens-history-month-eleanor-ford/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:18:16 +0000 https://www.fordhouse.org/?post_type=news&p=4626 Eleanor Ford stands in front of a portrait in Ford House.Born on June 6, 1896, in Detroit to William Clay and Eliza Hudson, Eleanor’s upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of civic duty and social responsibility. She received her education at the Detroit Home and Day School, now known as the University Liggett School. Before marrying Edsel Ford, she expressed a keen interest in social work, teaching at a settlement school, and displaying an early commitment to service.
Eleanor’s life took a transformative turn when she married Edsel Ford, the only son of automotive pioneer Henry Ford, in 1916. Their union amplified her already strong ties to Detroit’s elite circles and provided her with a platform to pursue her philanthropic endeavors.
One of Eleanor’s most enduring legacies lies in her unwavering support for the arts and, in particular, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). She, alongside Edsel, cultivated a deep appreciation for art under the guidance of William R. Valentiner, the DIA’s first director. Together, they traveled throughout Europe, immersing themselves in the study of masterpieces and objets d’art. Eleanor’s love of art was shared by her cousin and friend, Robert Hudson Tannahill, nephew of department store magnate Joseph Lowthian Hudson. In fact, Eleanor and Edsel, along with Robert Hudson Tannahill, each left enduring marks on the DIA.
Eleanor’s commitment to the DIA manifested in various forms, including generous financial contributions and advocacy for the institution’s growth. She played a pivotal role in the construction of the DIA’s south wing and established the Department of African, Oceanic, and New World Cultures with a substantial donation in 1976.
Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Eleanor wielded considerable influence within the Ford Motor Company, where she held significant stock ownership. It’s said that she exerted pressure on Henry Ford to appoint her son, Henry Ford II, as president following the death of Edsel in 1943, underscoring her strategic acumen and leadership within the family business.
Eleanor and Edsel shared a deep familial bond, raising four children together: Henry II, Benson, Josephine, and William. In 1926, the couple commissioned architect Albert Kahn and landscape architect Jens Jensen to design their iconic Cotswold-style home here on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores. Today, this historic residence is a testament to their enduring legacy and commitment to preserving history and the arts.
When Eleanor passed away on October 19, 1976, she ensured that her home and its grounds would be preserved for future generations to enjoy. Her philanthropic spirit and dedication to the arts continue to inspire and enrich the lives of countless individuals, cementing her place as a trailblazer in Detroit’s cultural landscape.
]]>