Dearborn, Michigan

Meg had asked us several times to take a trip back to Dearborn, Michigan.  She hadn't been since her sixth grade school trip and Cam wasn't much older than five the last time we went as a family.  We had originally planned on going to Atlanta this weekend, but Doug's new job changed our plans.  Thus, we decided today would be the perfect time to head to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.  

Everyone was up early so that we could leave by 7 a.m.  We made it to Dearborn just after the museum and village opened.  As the forecast called for 90+ degree weather we thought we would walk through Greenfield Village first in the hope of beating the afternoon heat.  It was just as I had remembered and we thoroughly enjoyed walking through the birth home of Henry Ford, the school house that he was first taught in, the milliner's shop, the Heinz home and the Wright Brother's cycle shop and boyhood home.  We learned a lot about the history of inventions of the late 1800's and early 20th century during our stop and enjoyed a ride on a Model T as well.  

After our trip down Main Street we headed to the laboratory of Thomas A. Edison and listened to "his" recollection of the first public showing of the incandescent light bulb.  From there we were able to visit several other historical spots including Noah Webster's home and the slave quarters of Andrew Jackson.  We listened to a talk given by Laura Ingalls Wilder and ate at The Taste of History which was home to Brett's infamous "random cheese" quote.  Our last stops in the village were the roundtable, the glass blowing shop, the tin shop and the pottery barn.  Doug bought us tickets to ride the steam engine and we enjoyed the trip through the woods and river of Greenfield Village.

We spent the heat of the day inside at The Henry Ford Museum.  We appreciated the air conditioning and the exhibits as well.  Doug's favorites revolved around the cars.  Cam liked the history of flight area and I enjoyed the history of the Women's suffrage movement.  We were able to see Rosa Park's bus and the chair that Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated at the Ford's Theater.  Meg obliged me with a Oscar Mayer Weiner mobile picture.  We then made a stop at the museum store for some flying gadgets and walked through the Presidential limos on our way out.  It was a long drive up and back today, but so incredibly worth it.  What a great way to kick off our summer break!