Historic Chair Honoring Dr. King Unveiled at The Henry Ford
To commemorate the profound impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Henry Ford is set to unveil a significant artifact on January 19. This event celebrates the legacy of Dr. King and features the floral upholstered living-room chair from the Jackson Home in Selma, Alabama. Iconically, this is the very chair where Dr. King sat during a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
A Day of Inspiration at The Henry Ford Museum
On January 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors will have the unique chance to view this historic chair on public display for the first time. Located in the Museum Plaza, it will stand as a powerful centerpiece of The Henry Ford's annual MLK Day commemoration. In recognition of the holiday, admission and parking will be free, encouraging families, students, and community members to engage in a day filled with learning and inspiration.
A Symbol of Hope and Progress
The Jackson Home, where the chair originates from, played a crucial role during the 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery, a vital event in the fight for voting rights in America. It was within those walls that Dr. King watched President Lyndon B. Johnson's address pledging federal support for voting rights, a moment pivotal in the passage of the Voting Rights Act. The chair, now carefully preserved, traveled nearly 1,000 miles to Michigan and is part of the institution's acquisition of the Jackson Home, which is currently being reconstructed in Greenfield Village and set to open this June.
Programming and Events for MLK Day Weekend
The unveiling is part of a larger series of events during The Henry Ford's MLK Day weekend. From January 17 to January 19, a diverse programming schedule will honor Dr. King's contributions and those of the Civil Rights Movement. Attendees can look forward to musical performances, engaging discussions, and powerful dramatic presentations that reflect on Dr. King's enduring legacy.
Special Guest Presentation
Join us as we feature New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, who will discuss her newly published work, *King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life of Struggle Outside the South*. This conversation will be moderated by Amber N. Mitchell, the Curator of Black History at The Henry Ford. It's an opportunity to dive deeper into the themes of Dr. King's life and work beyond the well-known Southern context.
About The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan, is a globally recognized institution that inspires creativity and innovation through its rich collection of artifacts representing America's journey in innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. The organization includes several unique venues such as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Benson Ford Research Center. In addition to its physical presence, The Henry Ford also reaches a global audience through thf.org and the Invention Convention Worldwide, fostering a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship in K-12 education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the chair being unveiled?
The chair is a historic artifact that symbolizes Dr. King's pivotal contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during his time in Selma, Alabama.
When can people visit to see the chair?
The chair will be on public display on January 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Henry Ford Museum.
Is there an admission fee for the MLK Day event?
No, admission and parking will be free on January 19 in honor of MLK Day.
What other events are planned for MLK Day weekend?
A variety of events including musical performances, presentations, and discussions will be held to honor Dr. King's legacy from January 17 to January 19.
Who will be speaking at the event?
New York Times bestselling author Dr. Jeanne Theoharis will discuss her book, *King of the North*, in conversation with Amber N. Mitchell.
