Programs Revive the Vitality of African-American Civil Rights Leaders
DEARBORN – Henry Ford Museum offers the public the opportunity to explore some of the milestones of freedom in the United States with Celebrate Black History! Feb. 1 to 28.
The program is filled with activities that bring to life the trials and triumphs of African-American leaders.
All activities are free with admission to the museum. Admission is $14 adults, $13 seniors and $10 youths, while members and children 4 and under are free. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or go to thehenryford.org.
Displays, exhibits and interactive activities highlight elements that emerged from the civil rights movement. Visitors can learn about the movement’s pioneers during “Minds on Freedom,” a 30-minute interactive musical and dramatic presentation. The show celebrates those groups and individuals — Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Gloria Rackley and the Freedom Riders — who challenged the status quo. Visitors can see accounts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his drive to African-American equality and others whose determination and perseverance made a difference in the lives of all Americans.
“Minds on Freedom” shows at 11 a.m. and noon Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11 a.m., noon, and 1 and 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and 11:30 a.m., and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Visitors can learn about lunch counter sit-ins at Lamy’s Diner from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
The “With Liberty and Justice for All” exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to sit in the bus on which Rosa Parks sparked the civil rights movement, and listen to her speak about the experience in her own words.
The exhibit also will show how Americans have fought for freedom through four key turning points in the nation’s history: the independence movement and Revolutionary War, the antislavery movement and the Civil War, the women’s suffrage movement, and the civil rights movement.
African-American quilter Yvonne Wells will talk about the symbolism and personal meaning expressed in her civil rights-themed story quilt, “Rosa Parks II,” at 1 p.m. Feb. 27. The quilt is a recent addition to The Henry Ford’s collection and will be on display during February.