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Letter from the President
The Henry Ford’s purpose is to consistently be a place of inspiration to all who visit.
We are committed to making this institution, our programs, experiences and campus, accessible and inclusive to everyone regardless of barriers and backgrounds. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the stories we tell and the experiences we offer resonate within all the communities we serve.
I believe that museums must continue to look inward and reevaluate key narratives and messages in an effort to uncover different angles and perspectives within our history. If we don’t, missions become meaningless.
Fittingly, our theme for this issue of The Henry Ford Magazine is “The Fabric of Us.” It is largely inspired by our ongoing commitment to preserve the collection and stories of the American Textile History Museum (ATHM), which unfortunately closed in 2016. The Henry Ford acquired thousands of textile-related artifacts from ATHM, understanding the importance they hold in our history and the stories of innovation they can tell about the Industrial Revolution and everyday life. You can read more on Page 18 about our diligent work to process and catalog this rich collection of clothing, linens, fabric samples, machinery and more, so we can make it accessible to all who visit us on-site and online.
In this issue, we also celebrate the craft and character of three Indigenous textile artists who are embracing their heritage while shattering modern-day stereotypes, and we examine the mysterious connection between the hardy workday apparel of legacy brands like Dickies and Carhartt and the fashion-forward music industry.
Thank you so much for your unwavering support and dedication to this magnificent institution. I hope to see you soon!
With deep gratitude,
