GROSSE POINTE SHORES, MI (March 18, 2024) – Ford House and the Michigan Science Center are joining together to welcome visitors to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the solar eclipse on the grounds of the historic Ford House on Monday, April 8, 2024, between noon and 4:30 p.m.
Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, this event promises an unforgettable experience for both seasoned astronomers and curious stargazers alike. Join us as the sun and moon converge, painting the sky in an ethereal dance of light and shadow. With an expansive property offering unobstructed views, Ford House offers a unique vantage point for this rare astronomical event.
The solar eclipse at Ford House isn’t just a cosmological event; it’s an opportunity to forge memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a family seeking an educational adventure or a solo explorer searching for stellar beauty, this event caters to all. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of anticipation as the sky gradually darkens, and witness nature’s grandeur unfold before your eyes.
The event will take place outdoors and indoors, rain or shine. Visitors can enjoy the Ford House grounds and concessions beginning at 12 p.m., with self-paced tours of the Main Residence available until 4:00 p.m. From 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors can participate in several educational and hands-on activities with the Michigan Science Center’s educators, who will be on-hand to provide details of how the eclipse unfolds as well as demonstrate how to make pin-hole cameras and sun-spotting scopes for safe viewing.
Family-friends activities include:
· Pinhole Projector Making (arts & crafts activity to safely view the eclipse)
· Kid Safety Shields for Eclipse Glasses (arts & crafts activity to shield peripheral sunlight around eclipse glasses)
· Solar Telescopes & Sunspotters (science technology to safely view the sun)
· NISENet’s Build a Moon Base Camp (design-based activity with consideration of the need to support life on the moon)
“When two cultural institutions like Ford House and the Michigan Science Center come together, we can literally point the community’s eyes skyward and be inspired,” says Ford House President & CEO, Mark J. Heppner. “We won’t have the opportunity to experience this for another twenty years. So, being able to share this moment is truly special.”
“We are delighted to collaborate with the Ford House to offer this unique, fun, and educational event that will undoubtedly provide inspiration to many families during a rare astronomical event,” said Dr. Christian Greer, president, and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “Our team can’t wait to experience the sun’s eclipse in such gorgeous surroundings.”
Mark your calendars and join Michigan Science Center and Ford House for an unforgettable celestial rendezvous on April 8, 2024, where science, history, and natural splendor converge in a momentous experience.
Tickets for this experience are on sale now for just $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, which includes two pairs of solar eclipse glasses. Those looking for a fuller experience may purchase an exclusive VIP package which includes admission, two pairs of solar eclipse sunglasses, a special gift from the Michigan Science Center, two wine glasses, a bottle of Heron Hill’s Eclipse wine, and light bites for two guests. All of this is available for just $50 for members of Michigan Science Center and Ford House and $60 for non-members. Friends of Ford House and Michigan Science Center members may secure general admission tickets at no cost and will receive a discount on the VIP package. To learn how to become a Friend of Ford House, visit www.fordhouse.org/friends, or to become a Michigan Science Center member, please visit misci.org/join-support. Visitors may purchase tickets to this solar eclipse experience at www.fordhouse.org/solareclipse.
Please note that availability is limited and tickets for this unique opportunity will sell rapidly.
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Images
For high-resolution historical and contemporary images of Ford House, visit https://www.fordhouse.org/mediakit/
For high-resolution historical and contemporary images
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation, and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits, and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities, and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.
About Ford House
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of the Ford Family. Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Rd. in Grosse Pointe Shores. The historic lakeside estate was the family home of Edsel Ford – Henry and Clara Ford’s only son – where he lived with his wife Eleanor and their children beginning in 1928. Since 1978, Ford House has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to share Eleanor Ford’s vision of preserving the estate for future generations through interpretive tours, family activities, lectures, exhibits, gardens, and grounds events. It inspires, educates, and engages visitors through the exploration of its unique connections to art, design, history, and the environment while celebrating family traditions and community relationships. For more information, visit www.fordhouse.org or call (313) 884- 4222, and connect with Ford House on Facebook and Instagram.