Ford Motor Company is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a two-week free exhibit at Washington D.C.’s Union Station, showcasing the automaker’s role in shaping the nation over the past 123 years.
“Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience at Union Station” features 10 historic vehicles from the Ford Heritage Vault in Dearborn, displayed behind museum-quality glass.
The collection includes the iconic Model T, a 1941 Ford GP prototype that helped lead to the military Jeep, a 1951 Ford 8N tractor, and a 1934 Ford pickup on loan from late-night host Jay Leno.
“America’s celebrating its 250th anniversary. We’ve been here for almost half of that journey, and we’ve had such a material impact on America.”
Ted Ryan, Ford’s archives and heritage brand manager, told Fox News Digital the exhibit was designed to reveal surprising stories about the company’s influence on American industry and transportation.
“Whether it’s industrializing, building the moving assembly line, mass transportation with the Model T, the best-selling car in the world for a number of years, or even the tractor that transformed farming. Ford has been there,” Ryan said.
Among the 10 vehicles are a 1954 F-100 from Virginia’s Red Truck Bakery, a 2026 Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula One car, and artifacts that trace Ford’s 124-year legacy.
Visitors can create a free postcard at an interactive photo station and shop for Ford merchandise.
Ryan said Union Station was the perfect location because it has served as “the front door to the nation’s capital” for more than a century — a place where presidents arrived to be inaugurated and where millions of Americans stepped into the heart of their democracy.
But Ford’s contributions to America extend far beyond automobiles.
“Ford built Mission Control at Johnson Space Center,” Ryan said. “We developed tracking beams for airplanes. Ford invented the mail sorter.”
“Hopefully we’re teaching people about the critical role that Ford has played in America during half of its 250 years.”
Ryan said the vehicles are meant to spark memories — whether they remind visitors of their first car, a family road trip, or a vehicle passed down through generations.
Through wars, natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford has consistently stepped up through its “Answering the Call” initiative.
“Ford is always there and always will be there to answer the call whenever America or our local communities need us,” Ryan said.
The exhibit runs daily through July 14, with no tickets or registration required.
