Ford Motor Company’s extensive relationship with Historic Mount Vernon has spanned the course of 100 years.
From Henry Ford’s donation of Mount Vernon’s first fire truck in 1923 to funding the Ford Orientation Center, Ford Motor Company has been a committed partner to preserving Mount Vernon.
Henry Ford developed an early appreciation for George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. During a visit to the historic landmark in the early 1920s, Ford was greatly impressed by this tribute to the nation’s first president. In the spirit of preserving an important icon of our nation’s past, Mr. Ford commissioned a special chemical fire truck for Mount Vernon. The built-to-order American-LaFrance Combination Chemical and Hose Car arrived at Mount Vernon on August 16, 1923. This revolutionary fire truck was an essential tool in protecting Mount Vernon against its greatest threat. A blend of modern firefighting weapons and techniques combined with the dependability of the Ford Motor Company vehicle resulted in the ultimate in fire protection.
The arrival of this first fire engine was only the beginning of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to protect and preserve the heritage of Mount Vernon, as well as other aspects of American heritage. Inspired by the efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Henry Ford helped establish The Henry Ford, now the nation’s largest indoor/outdoor history museum, encompassing the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. The Henry Ford strives to meet Mr. Ford’s goal of documenting America’s traditions of resourcefulness and innovation through its collection of American material culture.
Over the years, Ford has donated numerous cars and trucks to manage Washington’s estate, and the tradition continues to this day. Other donations have expanded Mount Vernon’s educational reach and supported a range of initiatives and exhibitions. This includes supporting Title I school visits to Mount Vernon, student internship programs, Mount Vernon’s July 4 festivities, Ford Evening Book Talks, major museum exhibitions, and the construction of the 25,000-square-foot Ford Orientation Center.
In recognition of this relationship, the Ford Motor Company presented Mount Vernon with a 100-year anniversary gift—a pledge of support for 2023’s George Washington Presidential Library Gala, the George Washington Democracy Symposium, and 2024’s George Washington Birthday Week. Said Mary Culler, president of the Ford Fund, “With this gift, we hope to help advance Mount Vernon’s education and preservation mission, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.”
Special Events
Ford Evening Book Talks
Features authors and historians discussing their latest books about George Washington and our nation’s Founding era. Lectures are free and open to the public, and books will be available for purchase.