Gerald Ford Presidential Museum

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, chronicles the life and presidency of the 38th U.S. President, Gerald R. Ford, and his wife, Betty Ford, featuring exhibits like a replica Oval Office, Watergate burglary tools, and artifacts from the 1976 Bicentennial.

The museum offers a tour through Ford's journey from his Grand Rapids roots to the White House, including his time as a Boy Scout, football player, Navy officer, Congressman, and Vice President, president and finally, his funeral.

Key exhibits and features:

Oval Office replica: A detailed recreation of Ford's Oval Office.

Watergate tools: The actual tools used in the Watergate burglary.

Bicentennial collection: Items from the nation's 1976 Bicentennial celebration.

Betty Ford's impact: Exhibits on the life and work of First Lady Betty Ford.

We both enjoyed the replica of the Oval Office and were both struck by how many of Ford's cabinet members we were familiar with.

I think the thing that touched My Lovely the most was the poignent words from Henry Kissinger as well as Presidents Carter, Bush 41 and Bush 43. They truly honored him.

Several of his contemporaries (from both sides of the aisle) said that they disagreed with Ford at the time on the Nixon pardon, Vietnam refugees and the Helsinki Accords, and they all said that even though Ford took political hits for those decisions, in retrospect, they now see that he was correct.

From Amy... I was struck by his character and integrity. His determination to do what he thought was right regardless of the political fallout. So many speak of him as the right man at the right time and how he was able to bring healing to the country. We could sure use him today.Read more