Cornerstone Day

Join us on September 26 and 27 as we celebrate our founding with special programming and a focus on the power of giving.

On September 27, 1928, Henry Ford invited his friend, mentor and famed inventor Thomas Edison to dedicate the cornerstone of his new museum. Edison, then 81 years old, walked across the wet cement, added his signature and thrust the shovel of horticulturist Luther Burbank into its center.

They established what would eventually become The Henry Ford we know and love today: an ever-evolving representation of America's growth and progress. Our annual celebration of Cornerstone Day aims to continue that progress far into the future. We do that by bringing focus to and raising funds for our extraordinary programs and world-class facilities.

You have the power to make history by participating in Cornerstone Day — a day of giving that pays homage to our foundation of innovation. Your generous donation to The Henry Ford paves the way for us to expand our programming and collections, preserve our 26 million artifacts and ignite the spark within learners around the globe.

Together, we can ensure The Henry Ford is a place where innovation continues to thrive for generations to come.



2025 Special Programming


This year, join us in celebrating a Decade of Impact alongside Cornerstone Day, as we highlight everything made possible by donations in the last 10 years and look forward to the decades to come.


Friday, September 26


Innovation Learning Showcase with the Learning and Engagement Team

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | William Clay Ford Plaza of Innovation in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Engage with the Experts: Meet the Curators

10-11 a.m. | Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark® Keepsake Ornaments and Bicycles: Powering Possibilities in the Collections Gallery at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Cornerstone Day Museum Tour — A Decade of Impact: Innovation and Creativity in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. | Near Cornerstone

The Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass: A Conversation with Curator of Decorative Arts Charles Sable

11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. | The Davidson-Gerson Gallery of Glass in Greenfield Village

Capacity is limited.

Driven to Win Tour with Curator of Transportation Matt Anderson

2-3 p.m. | Driven to Win: Racing in America in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Accessibility in Action at The Henry Ford with Manager of Accessibility Caroline Braden

3-4 p.m. | Drive-In Theater in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Capacity is limited.



Saturday, September 27


Detroit Central Market Weekend

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Greenfield Village

Explore Detroit's historic public market as it comes to life with local vendors, including farmers, artisans and makers.

Invention Convention Worldwide and Youth Inventor Showcase

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | William Clay Ford Plaza of Innovation in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

The Jackson Home Curator Talk "The Road to 1965: A Journey of Discovery" featuring Jim Johnson, Director of Greenfield Village and Curator of Historic Structures

1 p.m. | William Clay Ford Plaza of Innovation in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation