GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A new exhibit inside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids is honoring 50 years since the former president took office.
Ford took over the role of president on August 9, 1974.
Dr. Mirelle Luecke is the supervisory curator at the museum. Describing the new exhibit called 'Ford at 50,' she said, "this one is really hitting on some key moments in Ford's presidency, things that really shaped his time in office, defined him as a president."
Dr. Lueke's team worked on the exhibit for more than a year.
"We are looking to introduce visitors to this really kind of immersive experience where they can learn more about various themes in his presidency, ranging from his decision to grant clemency to Vietnam draft dodgers to granting a pardon to Richard Nixon, to attending the Helsinki accords," said Dr. Lueke.
When you walk through each section of the exhibit, you'll find videos of Ford, life-like sets, and artifacts like the proclamation he read to pardon President Richard Nixon.
President Ford's children Michael and Steve both spoke at the opening of the new exhibit.
Michael Ford told 13 ON YOUR SIDE, "this night is just a wonderful celebration of my father and mother's lives and legacy, not only for West Michigan, where they grew up and had their formative development, but for the whole nation."
In response to fond memories being shared of his parents at the debut of the exhibit, Michael Ford said, "I feel like that reflects on just what the ways in which they made sacrifices and really gave so much of their lives to strengthen and heal our nation."
He said they would be very grateful for the new exhibit if they were still here today.
The proclamation read to pardon President Nixon will be on display for three months. It is being borrowed from the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
The exhibit as a whole will be open through August 2025.