Press Release

The Henry Ford Launches Initiative to Collect America’s Stories of Innovation and Resourcefulness During Pandemic

(Dearborn, Mich. – May 28, 2020) ─ The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently facing is an extraordinarily significant moment in our history. It connects our nation’s past with its present and future – revealing who we were before, who we are today, and who we will become in the future. To acknowledge these challenging times, The Henry Ford has launched a rapid response collecting initiative focusing on how Americans have responded to this continually changing crisis with resilience, creativity and innovative approaches.

“The Henry Ford’s collections have always documented America’s creative genius and can-do spirit, and now, during this unprecedented crisis, we are seeing this in action every day,” said Patricia Mooradian, president & CEO, The Henry Ford. “It’s invaluable that we capture and collect these stories now to inspire others to problem solve, learn from mistakes and help shape a brighter future.”

Using the filter of its mission, The Henry Ford’s collecting will focus on 3D objects, photographs and archival materials of the COVID-19 pandemic that reflect how we are being innovative,  how we are being resourceful,  and how entrepreneurs are using their ingenuity to both address people’s needs and remain sustainable.  

Examples include: items created by businesses shifting to produce needed medical products, tools and products designed to address the crisis; items documenting grass-roots efforts to thank essential/medical employees; and items that document national trends in responses to everyday activities including grocery shopping, celebrating milestones and holidays, and keeping connected virtually.

Due to social distancing, we are currently unable to accept items in person. For more information on how to contribute to the collection visit https://www.thehenryford.org/covid-19-collections.

While its venues are temporarily closed, The Henry Ford’s digital collections are wide open and guests can visit https://www.thehenryford.org/explore-learn-online/ to access inspiring content. For ongoing updates, follow The Henry Ford’s social channels (@thehenryford), #WeAreInnovationNation or sign up for its eNewsletter by visiting thf.org.

About The Henry Ford:
About The Henry Ford Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally-recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thehenryford.org, its national television series, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in K-12 students, The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future.

The Henry Ford Media Contact
Melissa Foster, Sr. Manager, Public Relations
melissaf@thehenryford.org, 313-982-6126