Benson Ford Research Center Tour, Oct. 24
Do you want to research automotive history? Americana? The history of technology? Women’s fashions? The genesis of computer-generated artwork? All this and more is stored at the Benson Ford Research Center, part of The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
On Thursday, October 24, members of the Book Club of Detroit were privileged to have a behind-the-scenes tour of this extensive collection-of-collections, which continues to grow.
Henry Ford collected many items that are in the archives, including this letter from Thomas Edison.
“Blackie” was the guide dog of Ford employee Sylvester Rypkowski, and was featured in a series of photos by the Ford photographic staff in October 1942. From the Detroit Free Press, pg. 13, Oct. 20, 1942 edition: “For Blackie is a fully accredited production aide in the vast plant (Ford Rouge) sharing a job with his blind master … Furthermore, he is the only animal to be given honorary membership in the Ford Local 600, UAW(CIO).”
Shoes and gowns owned by Elizabeth Parke Firestone are also part of the Center’s collections. Mrs. Firestone had her shoes custom made and dyed to match her clothing. She was particularly fond of the color blue.
One of the clothing collections at the Benson Ford Research Center.
The Center houses a collection of computer-generated artwork.
Housewares and artwork housed at the Center.
Many collections of toys and other items for children, including these vintage TV luncboxes!