5 Ways To Explore Ford In Newport News, Va

Newport News, Virginia, is a city with a rich history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a blend of cultural attractions. Located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Newport News is situated on the Virginia Peninsula, where the James River flows into the Chesapeake Bay. One of the area's most significant historical figures is Henry Ford, who played a crucial role in shaping the city's maritime history. Here are five ways to explore the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA.

1. Visit the Mariner's Museum and Park

The Mariner's Museum and Park is a 550-acre park that showcases the maritime history of the United States, including the significance of the Ford legacy. The museum features a collection of over 35,000 artifacts, including ship models, navigation instruments, and other historical objects. Visitors can explore exhibits on the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay.

Exhibits and Collections

The Mariner's Museum and Park has several exhibits and collections that highlight the Ford legacy, including:

• The USS Monitor Center: This exhibit showcases the history of the USS Monitor, a Civil War-era ironclad warship that was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, which was founded by Collis P. Huntington, a business associate of Henry Ford.
• The Maritime Gallery: This exhibit features a collection of ship models, including models of Ford's early automobiles, which were inspired by the design of ships.

2. Take a Tour of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company

The Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company is a leading producer of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy. The company was founded in 1886 by Collis P. Huntington, a business associate of Henry Ford. Visitors can take a guided tour of the shipyard, which includes the construction of aircraft carriers and submarines.

Tour Highlights

The tour includes:

• A visit to the aircraft carrier construction area, where visitors can see the latest aircraft carriers being built.
• A stop at the submarine construction area, where visitors can see the latest submarines being built.
• A visit to the shipyard's museum, which showcases the history of the company and the Ford legacy.

3. Explore the Virginia Living Museum

The Virginia Living Museum is a 135-acre park that showcases the natural and cultural history of Virginia. The museum features a collection of exhibits on the state's natural history, including the wildlife and ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay.

Exhibits and Collections

The Virginia Living Museum has several exhibits and collections that highlight the Ford legacy, including:

• The Chesapeake Bay Gallery: This exhibit features a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the history and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, including the impact of Ford's shipbuilding activities on the bay's ecosystem.
• The Wildlife Exhibits: The museum features a collection of wildlife exhibits, including exhibits on the wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay, which was impacted by Ford's shipbuilding activities.

4. Visit the Peninsula Fine Arts Center

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is a museum that showcases the art and culture of the Virginia Peninsula. The museum features a collection of exhibits on the art and history of the region, including the Ford legacy.

Exhibits and Collections

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center has several exhibits and collections that highlight the Ford legacy, including:

• The Ford Gallery: This exhibit features a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the history of the Ford family, including their impact on the art and culture of the Virginia Peninsula.
• The Automotive Gallery: The museum features a collection of exhibits on the history of the automobile, including the early cars built by Henry Ford.

5. Take a Drive Along the Colonial Parkway

The Colonial Parkway is a 23-mile scenic highway that connects the historic sites of Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. The parkway is a great way to explore the historic sites of the Virginia Peninsula, including the sites related to the Ford legacy.

Points of Interest

The Colonial Parkway passes through several historic sites related to the Ford legacy, including:

• The Jamestown Settlement: This historic site commemorates the first permanent English settlement in America, which was established in 1607. The settlement was an important site for the Ford family, who were early settlers in the area.
• The Yorktown Battlefield: This historic site commemorates the final battle of the American Revolution, which was fought in 1781. The battle was a significant event in American history, and it marked the beginning of the end of the British Empire in America.

Ford Legacy Image Gallery

What is the significance of the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA?

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The Ford legacy is significant in Newport News, VA, because of the impact of Henry Ford's shipbuilding activities on the city's economy and ecosystem. The Ford family played a crucial role in shaping the city's maritime history, and their legacy can still be seen today.

What are some of the historic sites related to the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA?

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Some of the historic sites related to the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA, include the Mariner's Museum and Park, the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, the Virginia Living Museum, and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center.

How can I explore the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA?

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There are several ways to explore the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA, including visiting the Mariner's Museum and Park, taking a tour of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, exploring the Virginia Living Museum, visiting the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, and taking a drive along the Colonial Parkway.

We hope you've enjoyed this article on exploring the Ford legacy in Newport News, VA. Whether you're a history buff, a car enthusiast, or just looking for a unique experience, there's something for everyone in this fascinating city.