America: 250 Years in the Making

American Innovation Powered by People and Purpose

As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, The Henry Ford offers 250 acres of special programming, new exhibitions, exciting events and more to highlight the history of American innovation. The yearlong series explores how creativity and ingenuity have sparked change across centuries of American life and how they continue to shape the future we all share.

From revolutionary inventions to grassroots movements, stories of transformation will be featured throughout Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Giant Screen Experience and Ford Rouge Factory Tour. A new historic home in Greenfield Village and three new exhibitions based on American innovation will headline the year.


The Jackson Home
Opening the week of June 9, 2026, in Greenfield Village
The Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson Home holds powerful stories of an ordinary family doing extraordinary things in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement. In line with the wishes of the Jacksons' daughter, Jawana, the Jackson House has been relocated from Selma, Alabama, to Greenfield Village. Here, its stories of resiliency, activism and courage will be preserved and shared with generations to come.

Handmade: The Crafting of America
Collections Gallery in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
March 21, 2026-January 18, 2027
Trace the evolution of American craft from its functional origins to its contemporary expressions. Experience the power of handmade objects to tell stories of resilience, resourcefulness and entrepreneurship. Featuring a wide array of artifacts from The Henry Ford's collections, this exhibit explores why and how we create — and for whom.

Fabric of America: Our Fashions, Textiles, and Technologies
The Gallery by General Motors in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
June 7-September 13, 2026
Drawing exclusively from The Henry Ford's collections, Fabric of America: Our Fashions, Textiles, and Technologies explores the deep connections between textiles and our shared history. Through five enduring American values — liberty, practicality, inventiveness, abundance and individualism — this exhibition reveals how fabric shapes who we are as a people and a nation.

Artemis Adventure with LEGO® Bricks
The Gallery by General Motors in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
October 18, 2026-January 3, 2027
Experience the excitement of American space exploration through creative play and interactive LEGO challenges. Inspired by NASA's Artemis missions, this exhibition sparks curiosity, creativity and teamwork — igniting the next generation of space pioneers.


America: 250 Years in the Making Programs

Commemoration of America's 250th anniversary will be integrated into The Henry Ford's signature events and programs across each of our venues throughout 2026.

More details on event programming will be finalized and announced closer to each event.


Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Experience special exhibitions and programs that reflect on and honor the history, culture, traditions and contributions of diverse communities whose stories have shaped America. Learn more.


Greenfield Village

Experience firsthand the sights, sounds and sensations of America’s fascinating formation with over 80 acres brimming with resourcefulness and ingenuity. Learn more.


Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Rev up your inner engineer in a five-part experience at a legendary American factory — Ford Motor Company's Dearborn Truck Plant. Learn more.


Educator Resources

Educators can find a variety of free resources related to America: 250 Years in the Making on inHub, The Henry Ford's learning platform. Discover field trip guides, videos, articles and more for use in any educational setting to help students think critically about the role of innovation in the past, present and future of America.


Become a Member

Experience all of America: 250 Years in the Making with a yearlong membership to The Henry Ford. Become a member for free general admission to the museum and village, plus free parking and exclusive savings on Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Giant Screen Experience and ticketed events.

Become a Member


Supporting Sponsor:

America 250 Michigan