This story is about much more than a train – join us for a heartwarming tale of family, traditions, and Christmas magic.

For generations, the train display at the Breton Village Mall had become a holiday tradition for families throughout West Michigan and beyond. When the mall closed for remodeling and the first Christmas passed with no train to enjoy, Clare Shubert, an educator on staff at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, went on a mission.

Determined to find the train and give it a new home, her journey led her to the loving family of Herb and Shirley DeVries…and a storage shed full of train cars, tracks, and miniatures. After months of work, the train was given a new home and a new life at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, where folks of all ages have flocked to visit the beloved display, now expanded to include landmarks telling the story of Grand Rapids’ own, President Ford.

During these times of social distancing, we have created a new way for you to visit the holiday train exhibit!  Pop some popcorn, gather up the family, and watch the heartwarming story of this treasured train display and the journey to its new home in the Museum. Learn about how one father’s dedication led to a holiday tradition for a whole community – and how that tradition now helps to tell the story of President Gerald R. Ford.

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