The Fourth At The Ford
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Commemorate America's 250 birthday with "The Fourth at the Ford," a special Independence Day event offering free admission and family-friendly activities on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Everyone is invited to celebrate the nation's founding with a day of history, education, and patriotic fun.
Admission to the entire Museum, including the new "Waltzing with the Queen" exhibit, will be free for all visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event Highlights:
Living History Reenactors: Visitors can engage with three pivotal figures in American history. John Adams will deliver a special presentation at 11 a.m., Benjamin Franklin will offer a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. and Frederick Douglass will present excerpts from his historic "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" speech at 2:30 p.m.
Patriotic Art in the Lobby: The Museum lobby will feature artwork by Michigan artists, including a stunning painting of an American bald eagle, E Pluribus Unum, by ArtPrize winner Anni Crouter. Alongside this piece, visitors can view the prize winning quilt, Our Family Honor, by quilter R. Roos-Sullivan, celebrating her family’s history of service in the U.S. military.
Family Craft Activities: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., children can participate in making patriotic bead bracelets.
Flag Giveaways: Attendees can receive a complimentary flag, while supplies last.
Food Truck Rally: A variety of local food trucks, including Patty Matters, Furniture City Creamery, and Two Bones Barbecue, will be on-site starting at 11 a.m.. Outdoor seating and tents will be available for visitors to enjoy their meals on the Museum grounds.
Admission to the entire Museum, including the new "Waltzing with the Queen" exhibit, will be free for all visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Event Highlights:
Living History Reenactors: Visitors can engage with three pivotal figures in American history. John Adams will deliver a special presentation at 11 a.m., Benjamin Franklin will offer a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m. and Frederick Douglass will present excerpts from his historic "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" speech at 2:30 p.m.
Patriotic Art in the Lobby: The Museum lobby will feature artwork by Michigan artists, including a stunning painting of an American bald eagle, E Pluribus Unum, by ArtPrize winner Anni Crouter. Alongside this piece, visitors can view the prize winning quilt, Our Family Honor, by quilter R. Roos-Sullivan, celebrating her family’s history of service in the U.S. military.
Family Craft Activities: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., children can participate in making patriotic bead bracelets.
Flag Giveaways: Attendees can receive a complimentary flag, while supplies last.
Food Truck Rally: A variety of local food trucks, including Patty Matters, Furniture City Creamery, and Two Bones Barbecue, will be on-site starting at 11 a.m.. Outdoor seating and tents will be available for visitors to enjoy their meals on the Museum grounds.
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Where is it happening?
303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States, Michigan 49504
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Gerald Ford Presidential Library & Museum
