GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Beginning in early December, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is bringing back its holiday train exhibit with some brand new set pieces inspired by President Ford.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express model train display has been a beloved exhibit since it first came to the museum less than 10 years ago.
This year, the exhibit has been updated with new set pieces that pay tribute to President Ford's life, legacy and ties to Michigan:
- University of Michigan Highlights: A nod to President Ford’s alma mater, featuring models of the Burton Memorial Tower, Hatcher Graduate Library, and the Big House.
- Herpolsheimer’s Department Store: A whimsical recreation of the famed Grand Rapids department store, where Betty Ford worked as a fashion coordinator.
- A new Ford50 train car, honoring the 50th anniversary of President Ford being sworn in as the 38th President of the United States.
The exhibit has grown every year and still includes some other local and Ford-related things to look out for.
"The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express train display includes many nods to Gerald R. Ford’s life in Grand Rapids, including South High School, Bill’s Place Diner, the Quonset Hut used in his congressional campaign, and a replica of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum," the museum wrote on their website.
The exhibit is completely free to the public and will be available from Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
The train was originally owned by Herbert and Shirley DeVries and installed at the Pooh’s Corner bookstore window at Breton Village Mall. The train could be seen there for 30 years, until 2016 when renovations left no room for the display. That's when the Mulder family and the presidential museum stepped in to keep the holiday tradition alive.
“We are pleased to welcome the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express back to the Museum for another holiday season,” said Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum Director Brooke Clement. “This exhibit is a wonderful way to honor President Ford’s Michigan roots and bring joy to visitors of all ages during this festive time of year.”
The exhibit is available to view in the lobby of the museum.
