The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Covenant High School Grand Rapids students were privileged to spend a day learning at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Downtown Grand Rapids. The museum is the burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife, Betty Ford. It is located near the Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Museum staff planned lectures, group activities, and interactive games designed to teach students about the three branches of our government and how they can influence government policies. After learning in the classroom, students were treated to time in the museum, exploring the exhibits featuring the 38th President of the United States.

Gerald Ford served in the US Navy during World War II and was elected to the US House of Representatives shortly after returning. During his lengthy career in Congress, he served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and on the Warren Commission that investigated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Ford became Vice-President to Richard Nixon in 1973 upon the resignation of Spiro Agnew. Less than a year later, he became President when Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal. He is the only person in US history to serve as President who was not elected President or Vice-President.

Although Ford’s presidency lasted less than three years, he presided over a significant time in our history. He oversaw the final withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam, fought high inflation, granted amnesty to those who had avoided the draft during the Vietnam War, and pardoned his predecessor, Richard Nixon. Though his tenure was short, he was a calming and stabilizing force during turbulent times. He is remembered as a lifelong public servant of tremendous integrity and commitment.