Press Release

Roadside America: Through the Lens of John Margolies Opens at Henry Ford Museum June 20, 2015

(Dearborn, MI – June 8, 2015) — America’s forgotten landscape takes center stage in a new exhibition at The Henry Ford. Opening inside Henry Ford Museum June 20, 2015 through January 24, 2016, Roadside America: Through the Lens of John Margolies focuses on the vanishing American sites that world-renown photographer John Margolies photographed over three decades across the United States. From highways to byways, his photography captured unusual and the everyday of roadside attractions including movie theaters, gas stations, diners, motels and more.

An author, photographer and lecturer on American architecture and design, John Margolies is known for his eye for detail, pursuit of half-forgotten sites and uncanny ability to be in the right place to capture subjects just prior to their disappearance. His photos are acknowledged as one of the most comprehensive studies of American roadside architecture. Roadside America is comprised of slides and items recently acquired by The Henry Ford from Margolies’ own collection of photos, diaries, pennants, postcards, do-not-disturb signs, luggage labels, scrapbooks and more.

Inside the exhibit, viewers can learn more about the inspiration behind his unique collection, including the books and camera equipment he used. Visitors can view travel logs that Margolies collected via touch screen or step inside an oversized postcard and create their own roadside memory. Along the way, those looking for refreshments can stop by the root beer barrel roadside stand for a root beer float before getting a closer look at Margolies’ images on display inside the roadside gallery. Roadside America also gives the rare opportunity to see three vehicles from The Henry Ford’s collection that are not normally on display. At the entrance, visitors will see the 1950 Buick Roadmaster before heading inside to the 1950 Chrysler New Yorker and a 1963 Studebaker Avanti, each playing the soundtrack of the road from their respective eras.

To celebrate the opening of the new exhibit Henry Ford Museum will host Roadside America: Through the Lens of John Margolies exhibit preview on June 19, 2015 with special guest John Margolies. The party will feature food trucks, a cash bar and a chance to see the exhibit before it opens to the public. Tickets are now on sale at $35 per person and include one drink ticket.

Roadside America is free with membership or with admission to Henry Ford Museum. Admission prices are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and up and $15 for youth 5-12. Children four and under are free. Discount tickets for Henry Ford Museum are available at participating Meijer locations. Roadside America: Through the Lens of John Margolies is supported by the Ford Motor Company Fund. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or visit http://thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/roadside-america.

About The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan is an internationally-recognized cultural destination that brings the past forward by immersing visitors in the stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation that helped shape America. A national historic landmark with an unparalleled collection of artifacts representing the Archive of American Innovation, The Henry Ford is a force for sparking curiosity and inspiring tomorrow’s innovators. More than 1.6 million visitors annually experience its five attractions: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre. A continually expanding array of content available online provides anytime, anywhere access. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates 485 students a year on the institution’s campus. In 2014, The Henry Ford premiered its first-ever national television series, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, showcasing present-day change-makers and The Henry Ford’s artifacts and unique visitor experiences. Hosted by news correspondent and humorist, Mo Rocca, this weekly half-hour Emmy-winning show airs Saturday mornings on CBS. For more information please visit our website thehenryford.org.