In building a new exhibit all about the automobile, our curators were faced with a challenge: how could we create an experience that appeals to both car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike? As a result, Driving America flips the script on how we look at our day-to-day transportation. With more than 100 vehicles and 20 interactive touchscreens containing activities, video interviews, and artifact information and images, the exhibit is all about the visitor. According to Patricia Mooradian, President of The Henry Ford, “We want people to walk away from this experience thinking about cars, culture and themselves in new, unexpected ways.”
Cars Through the Years
By displaying generations of cars, Driving America explores how Americans have changed the automobile as we’ve progressed over the last century. The exhibit is not so much about the automobile itself, but about our relationship with it,” explains Curator of Transportation Matt Anderson. “We try to answer two questions: 1.) How has the car changed to fit our needs, and 2.) How have we changed to fit the car’s needs?”
Our curators carefully chose a collection of cars that reflect changes generations in the making. The first hybrid car was introduced in 1901, but it wasn’t until Toyota released the Prius in 2002 that the hybrid really took off—why? Our preferences changed—we began to value fuel economy over speed, safety over flashy looks. Like other cars before it, the Prius made its own statement, in this case an ecological one: “I’m doing my part for the environment. Are you?” As you gaze at our vast collection of automobiles, our curators invite you to question the world around you. Former Senior Curator of Transportation Bob Casey explained, “To ea ...More...
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