Foundation News & Announcements
Submissions Open for 2025 President Ford Student Writing Challenge
The President Gerald R. Ford Student Writing Challenge is now accepting submissions from 9-12th grade students in the United States to compete for a top prize of $2,500.
To enter, write a 500-750 word essay on the theme: In your life, what has prepared you to follow Gerald Ford’s example of answering the call to serve, especially if the call is unexpected?
New Betty Ford Girl Scouts Patch
The Girl Scouts just got a new role model - First Lady Betty Ford!
Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore has partnered with us to offer an exclusive Betty Ford Girl Scouts patch that you can earn at the Ford Presidential Museum.
Betty’s advocacy and championship for equal rights and women’s health remains an inspiration and model of active citizenship and we are thrilled for girls to learn how they can be change-makers like her.
Learn more and how to sign up here.
Steve Ford Delivers President Ford’s Eulogy at Jimmy Carter’s Funeral
At President Carter’s State Funeral, Steve Ford delivered a moving eulogy on behalf of his late father, former President Gerald R. Ford.
Statement on Jimmy Carter’s Death
The Gerald R. Ford family and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation mourn the loss of a dear friend, President Jimmy Carter, upon his passing at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024.
No two former presidents formed a closer friendship across party lines than Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford.
Hope College Students Host Elections Discussion to be 'A Step Back From Partisanship'
October 15, 2024 - Ford Forum News: Hope College students host elections discussion to be ‘a step back from partisanship’
Star-Studded Week of Events to Commemorate Gerald R. Ford’s 50th Anniversary of Taking Office
The Ford Presidential Foundation and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum launched several celebrations this week, commemorating Gerald R. Ford swearing in as president in 1974.
6 National Reporters Received Honors in Annual Journalism Awards
On June 3, 2024, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation awarded six national journalists for their coverage of the Presidency and National Defense. We value their hard work and were proud to acknowledge their excellent reporting.
$8,500 in Prizes Awarded to High School Students in Annual Presidential Essay Contest
CONGRATS to our 2024 Student Writing Challenge winners! Over 800 voices shared what “American citizen” means to them. We partnered with Meijer to award over $8,000 in cash prizes & Meijer gift cards.
Remembering Rosalynn Carter: Dr. Mirelle Luecke details Rosalynn Carter and Betty Ford friendship
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum curator Mirelle Luecke shares the relationship between First Ladies Rosalynn Carter and Betty Ford.
Holiday Train: From Mall to Museum
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.
USS Gerald R. Ford 2017 Commissioning Ceremony
The USS Gerald R. Ford enjoyed a massive commissioning celebration on July 22, 2017. Many connected to President Gerald Ford’s legacy were in attendance.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Ship Sponsor Luncheon
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Commissioning Committee hosted the Ship Sponsor Luncheon on July 21, 2017 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, Virginia. The Luncheon paid tribute and honored the work of Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales, daughter of President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford.
USS Gerald R. Ford Commissioning Committee Chairmen’s Dinner
The USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 Commissioning Committee hosted a Chairmen’s Dinner on July 21, 2017 at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Gerald R. Ford statue unveiled aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford
While docked at Newport News Shipbuilding, Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales helped unveil a statue of her father aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Midland, Michigan hosts successful event for USS Gerald R. Ford Commissioning
A Midland Daily News feature highlighted the recent celebration with USS Gerald R. Ford Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in Midland, MI.
USS Gerald R. Ford 2013 Christening Ceremony
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the first ship of the next-generation class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, was christened on November 9, 2013 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. Susan Ford-Bales, the daughter of the ship's namesake, President Gerald R. Ford, performed the christening.
Island Landing Ceremony of the USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78
On January 26, 2013, the Island Landing Ceremony of the USS Gerald R. Ford CVN 78 took place at the Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) shipyards in Newport News, Virginia. The ceremony represents a significant milestone in the structural completion of the ship.