Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States wasn't born in Grand Rapids - but he was raised here and represented the city in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949-1973. Richard Nixon selected him to replace Spiro Agnew as Vice President in 1973, and Ford assumed the Presidency less than a year later in the wake of Nixon's resignation.
All of this and more is brought to engaging life at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids.
Permanent exhibits include a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, a Watergate gallery, interactive Cabinet Room, 1976 Bicentennial display, and a section of the Berlin Wall. Additional exhibits pay tribute to the life and influence of Betty Ford, who is credited with paving the way for modern First Ladies.
The Museum also hosts major traveling exhibits and develops its own temporary shows. Notable exhibits have included "Slavery on Trial," "America and the Cold War," and "Bob Hope: An American Treasure."
The President and Mrs. Ford are buried on the grounds of the Museum, on a hillside spot that attracts a steady stream of people paying their respects to our native son and his dear wife.
Explore the inside of the museum with this unique tour.
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Our 2020 Visitor's Guide features 90 colorful pages of don't-leave-home-without-it information on attractions, activities, lodging and more. Flip through the online guide or request your FREE copy by mail.