Henry Ford, a revolutionary in the automobile and manufacturing industries, is a staple in American history. Born in 1863 in Michigan, Ford introduced the Model T automobile, the new way to drive, in 1908. By 1918, half of all cars in America were Model Ts. Ford is known for his use of the assembly line and the $5 Work Day, which revolutionized wage labor. The Henry Ford Museum in Michigan pays tribute to fellow leaders and innovators of the country's past. Online exhibitions like With Liberty and Justice For All, about America's struggle for independence, and Innovators, featuring famous inventors like Thomas Edison. Check out the historical artifacts in the permanent collection, which includes objects ranging from a horse drawn carriage to a toy drum from the late 1930s. You can also browse a selection of still or moving images collected during the early era of automobile development.
To learn more about the history of the automobile, the Encyclopedia Smithsonian gives a helpful overview. There's also a kids area on the Ford's Model T website, which includes quotes from Henry Ford, original Model T prices and cool articles. Rev your engine with some fun racing games on the Learn 4 Good website.