Henry Ford Museum of Innovation

Don't judge.....but Dave is often in a position to watch Mo Rocca's Innovation Nation on Saturday mornings and the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation is at it's core.    As a result, his interest has been piqued about this place for a long time.      In our other life, the business owner one, we spent lots of time in Dearborn for conferences and business calls.   As a matter of fact, we often stayed at the Fairlane Town Center within walking distance of The Henry Ford museums.   Always to busy then.

This is our time to connect all the dots of those days and the Henry Ford Museum is one of them.

I'm breaking in a new camera (actually, the same camera as I've always used but a newer model) and as usual, it's causing me trouble.   I'm a point and shoot sort of person and that's what this is but it doesn't exactly work like the old one so my pictures at the Museum aren't very good.   Sorry.   I'll probably get the hang of it eventually.

The elegant entry

This is one great museum.   I often lose focus in museums, I get tired of reading endless placards and illustrations eventually.    Here, however, I saw and read more than I usually have patience for.   

an exploded view of a Model T

Things were organized and presented in a thoughtful and interesting way.    Innovations from "then" that led to more innovations and applications "now".     The stream and reasoning were clear and fascinating to see.

Dave looks at  old, belt driven woodworking tools

This is a collection of things that one wealthy man felt represented the best of American innovation.

From manufacturing tools and machines, to furnishings and clothing, to agricultural implements, to planes, trains and automobiles of all sizes and types, to innovation in power generating and distinctly American memorabilia. 

a fiberlass mold for an Eames chair

evolution and innovation in home heating

I want my Cowboy Hat, I want my Maypo!

An old 9N prototype....look familiar JoAnn?

"Oh I'd love to be an Oscar Mayer Weiner....that is truly what I'd truly like to be....and if I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner, everyone would be in love with me"

Dave used to ride on a grain drill just like this one and help his Grandpa seed the fields

the only existing Dymaxion house designed by Buckminster Fuller. 
A really interesting concept!

I remember these drill instructions written on my classroom chalkboard.....chilling.

cases and cases of stuff

one of many steam generators, large and small

old and new

Kennedy's car among a collection of Presidential vehicles

a look into an old Holiday Inn motel room

And in the "Mathematica" display we had a bit of fun in an otherwise very over my head exhibit.....

It was another long day for us and, just so you don't think we're neglecting our dear companion, here's a shot of a normal, after dinner scene between the boys.

Lew wonders how he'll get the ball back this time.....