The Edison Institute: Experience History Firsthand
- Oct 10, 2017
- 2 min read
The Edison Institute, better known as The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, was created by Henry Ford. The museum and village were named in honor of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford’s friend and hero. Ford wished to create a museum where people would learn history by experiencing it. He believed that “by looking at the things that people used and how they lived, a better and truer impression can be gained than could be had in a month of reading.” With his philosophy, the museum exhibits the inventions and artifacts that shows man’s technological and cultural progress while the village presents historical residential, commercial and industrial architecture. Throughout the village, several buildings are provided with people demonstrating how the objects seen in the museum were made and used. The village is composed of nearly 100 buildings that have been removed from their original location to be highlighted and preserved. These buildings hold important historical meaning throughout American history in Ford’s opinion.
Henry Ford’s idea of experiencing history is certainly an awe inspiring and engaging way to learn. Having the opportunity to watch how farmers worked on the land and how glassblowers created their product in shops helps visitors gain a better understanding of the past. Visually experiencing the history eliminates any confusion and it leaves a lasting impression. The workers and historical presenters of the village are always friendly and full of historical knowledge. If any questions were to arise, the staff are willing and able to answer them.
To me, Greenfield Village is the happiest place on earth. I love the historical feel that this village creates. Strolling through the village, Model T cars cruise by, horse carriages trot along and you can hear the locomotive sound it’s whistle in the distance. I can visit a building and learn it’s history by seeing the rooms staged to their original purpose. On top of learning the ways of the past, I feel as though I am able to step back in time when walking through the village. That is the whole idea that Henry Ford wished to create.
Being able to walk through American history and experience the past before our eyes, why wouldn’t anyone want to visit? The Edison Institute is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States. As the people of this great nation, let’s continue to learn from our past and continue to preserve our nation’s treasures. Let’s continue to support our national historic landmarks and Save MI History!
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Links and Further Readings
"Greenfield Village & Henry Ford Museum (Edison Institute)," National Park Service
"The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village (The Edison Institute)," Michigan State Housing Development Authority
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