This winter, we’ll focus on a significant tree care project as we remove several trees impacted by Dutch Elm disease. Dutch Elm is a fungal disease spread by beetles that has devastated elm populations across North America. Infected trees can quickly die off, posing risks to other trees and overall landscape health. With our own elms succumbing to this disease, we have decided to remove the affected trees to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of our grounds.

Timing is important in this process. To minimize soil compaction and disruption to the landscape, we’ll wait until the ground is frozen to begin tree removal. This thoughtful timing helps us protect the surrounding vegetation and maintain the integrity of the grounds. Frozen ground allows us to safely bring in the necessary equipment without causing undue stress on the landscape—a priority for our dedicated Landscape team.

The work doesn’t end with the removal of these trees. In alignment with our commitment to preservation and historical accuracy, we’re taking this opportunity to restore the landscape carefully. For each tree removed, we’ll be planting a new tree in its place, selected specifically to reflect the types of trees that would have originally been on the property. This restoration includes species such as American elms and other varieties historically found at Ford House. We’re not simply planting new trees—we’re restoring the natural beauty that the Fords originally enjoyed, recreating an authentic look and feel for future generations.

This project reflects Ford House’s broader mission of preserving our historic buildings and gardens and the landscape itself. These trees are part of Ford House’s legacy and, like all elements of our historic site, require thoughtful care. By taking proactive measures, we ensure that our landscape remains vibrant, safe, and historically accurate.

We understand that tree removal can be concerning, and we want to be fully transparent with our community. Our goal is to create as little disruption as possible while protecting the health and beauty of our grounds. This work is necessary, but it’s also a vital opportunity to bring renewed life to the estate’s landscape by planting young trees that will flourish for years to come.

When you visit Ford House this winter or in the coming spring, you may notice the new plantings beginning to take root. Over time, these trees will grow to create a lush, thriving canopy that respects the estate’s history while contributing to its future. We appreciate your understanding and support in this important work, as together, we continue to honor the beauty and legacy of Ford House.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Every step we take helps to preserve Ford House’s story and its connection to the natural world, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come.

Home for the Holidays at Ford House

This holiday season starts with a breathtaking illuminated stroll along a one-mile path, where thousands of twinkling lights turn the grounds into a winter wonderland. As you make your way through Ford House’s serene landscape, stop by the historic Main Residence to enjoy a self-paced exploration of how Eleanor Ford once decorated the home. These displays evoke the warmth and elegance of the holiday season, transporting guests back in time to a simpler, more festive era. Along the path, visitors can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and even stop by to say hello to Santa, who will make nightly appearances for photos and warm holiday wishes.

Home for the Holidays at Ford House

Guided Holiday Tours

For those who want a deeper glimpse into the Ford family’s holiday traditions, Ford House offers a Holiday Main Residence Guided Tour. This immersive experience delves into the seasonal customs of the Ford family, sharing stories of their celebrations while highlighting the stunning holiday décor that fills the home. For guests with mobility needs, an Accessible Main Residence Guided Holiday Tour is also available. This specialized tour covers the holiday magic of the home’s first floor, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich history and festivities in a comfortable, inclusive setting.

Holiday Main Residence Guided Tour

Accessible Main Residence Guided Holiday Tour

Festive Family Gatherings

Santa Claus makes a special appearance in two holiday gatherings perfect for young families: Cookies with Santa and Brunch with Santa. During Cookies with Santa, children can meet Santa and share their holiday wishes while indulging in delicious cookies. For a more elaborate experience, Brunch with Santa offers a hearty breakfast buffet where children can spend time with both Santa and Mrs. Claus as they stop by each table to greet guests and spread holiday cheer. These events are designed to capture the magic of childhood memories and bring families together for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Cookies with Santa

Brunch with Santa

Holiday Tea and Tour

For those looking for a refined holiday experience, the Holiday Tea and Tour is a must. This elegant tea service includes three tiers of festive finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and decadent desserts, accompanied by various teas that celebrate the season. Following the tea, guests are invited to explore the Main Residence at their own pace, discovering the holiday décor and fascinating history of this iconic home.

Holiday Tea and Tour

Mistletoe Mingle

Adults 21 and older can revel in the season’s cheer at Ford House’s holiday party, Mistletoe Mingle. This evening event features seasonal cocktails, holiday treats, live music, and holiday-themed games. It’s a fantastic opportunity to embrace the season’s joy with friends, new and old, in a lively, festive setting.

Mistletoe Mingle

Whether enjoying a stroll under sparkling lights, a cozy family brunch, or a sophisticated evening affair, the winter holidays at Ford House offer unique holiday experiences for everyone. Make Ford House part of your holiday tradition and discover a world of wonder this season!

Learn more at fordhouse.org/holidays

Ford House participates in maple tapping each year, resulting in pure maple syrup being sold from the trees on the estate. Visitors can learn more about our maple tapping and more at programs like our adults-only Maple Syrup: Tapped, Shaken, and Served or our Family Workshop: Maple Syrup.

Early Beginnings:
The indigenous peoples of Michigan, including the Ojibwa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi tribes, were among the first to tap maple trees for their sap. They would collect the sap in birch bark containers and boil it down to produce a sweet syrup, which they used as a source of energy and nutrition. For these early inhabitants, maple tapping was not only a practical necessity but also a sacred ritual, symbolizing the renewal of life as winter gave way to spring.

European Influence:
With the arrival of European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, the practice of maple tapping spread further across the region. French fur traders and explorers, in particular, adopted the techniques of the indigenous peoples and began tapping maple trees to produce syrup for trade and consumption. As settlements expanded, maple tapping became an integral part of the rural economy, providing a valuable source of income for many farmers and homesteaders.

Industrialization and Commercialization:
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant advancements in maple tapping technology, with the invention of metal spouts and vacuum systems that made the process more efficient and productive. This period also saw the rise of commercial maple syrup production in Michigan as large-scale operations emerged to meet the growing demand for this sweet delicacy. Maple festivals and sugarhouses became popular attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the magic of maple tapping firsthand.

Modern Practices:
Today, maple tapping remains an important tradition in Michigan, with thousands of producers across the state continuing to tap trees and produce high-quality syrup. While modern equipment and technology have made the process more streamlined, many producers still adhere to time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Maple tapping season typically begins in late winter and lasts until early spring, depending on weather conditions, with producers carefully monitoring sap flow and collecting it in buckets or through tubing systems.

As we reflect on the history of maple tapping in Michigan, we are reminded of the deep connection between people, land, and tradition. From its humble beginnings among the indigenous peoples to its role in shaping the state’s agricultural heritage, maple tapping continues to be a cherished part of Michigan’s cultural identity. So, the next time you enjoy a stack of pancakes drizzled with golden maple syrup, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of tradition and craftsmanship that have made it possible.