Winter warm-up recipe – butternut squash soup

This simple, hearty and comforting recipe comes from one of the courses we serve during our Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village dinners at Eagle Tavern. While the dinners are now all sold out, there are still tickets available for Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, so give this recipe a try at home – then come on out to join us for some winter fun in the village!

This creamy soup is always a favorite at Eagle Tavern.

 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

1 med. Squash (about 2 ½ lbs) diced

1cup diced yellow onion

3 tablespoons butter

5 cups chicken or vegetable broth (we use vegetable)

1 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

½ cup of cream or milk (optional)

 

Sauté onions in butter until soft.

Add diced squash and broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until squash is tender.

Add brown sugar and other seasonings.

Simmer for a few minutes and add cream if desired, but do not boil the cream.

Puree mixture with submersion blender or in blender or food processor.

Enjoy!

Welcome… to virtual EDventures at The Henry Ford!

Paula Gangopadhyay is Director of Education at The Henry Ford – and she is very excited to tell you about one of our newest ventures…

 

Have you heard the news? We are very proud to launch our new education website!

Explore the options of our new education website!

One of our biggest goals at The Henry Ford is making history relevant and preparing today’s learners for the 21^st century – so with that in mind, we have made digital education a top priority. Our education, ITS and marketing teams have spent the last three years benchmarking research, conducting national market analyses and really working to understand the needs of our audiences, especially K-12 education and youth service sectors.

 

The new website is designed to be a one-stop shop that it is intuitive, user-friendly, substantive and varied, based on the changing needs of our audiences and in keeping with an evolving world where digital and self-directed engagement plays a key role. And as the website was being built, our education team was developing some new paradigm-shifting online products and tools which will give teaching and learning a whole new meaning.

 

Here are a few guiding tips for exploring and experiencing virtual EDventures at The Henry Ford through our new and improved education website:

 

Our Educational Legacy: The first thing you’ll notice is a slideshow that tells the bigger story of what education is all about at The Henry Ford. To better understand this, explore the Legacy of Education Innovation tab to learn more about the culture of innovation that permeates and shapes everything we say and do as an educational institution.

 

Topic Areas of Educational Expertise: We have tied The Henry Ford’s collections and niche areas of educational expertise to six themes: Transportation in America, America’s Industrial Revolution, American Innovation, Science and Technology, American Democracy and Civil Rights and Family and Community Life. Each theme has a landing page with a menu of offerings such as onsite programs, field trip enhancements, classroom resources and professional development.

 

Audience Pools: Since education is defined broadly at The Henry Ford, we have organized our offerings for four types of audiences seeking structured educational programs or resources: educators, students, scouts/youth and leadership.

 

What’s Hot: This features new educational products and special educational events such as limited-engagement exhibits, IMAX educational film previews, new scout programs and more.

 

Featured resources: These sections showcase special projects at The Henry Ford, such as OnInnovation, as well as ExhibitBuilder, one of our innovative educational resources which allows students to build and curate their very own virtual exhibit which they can share with the world.

 

Tap Our Expertise: For the first time, through our education website you’ll be able to tap into the intellectual expertise of our curators as well as get a sneak peek into our rich and continuously-growing online collections and stories.

 

We invite you to explore, reflect, engage and share virtual EDventures at The Henry Ford; we are eager to hear from you!

 

Teachers/scout leaders/youth service providers – what other types of resources would you like to see museums offer? Is there anything you’d like to see us provide that is not currently available online or onsite?

Election Day inspiration – With Liberty And Justice For All

Since today’s Election Day, I figured today was a good day to stroll through our With Liberty And Justice For All exhibit in Henry Ford Museum.

With Liberty And Justice For All in Henry Ford Museum is a great way to learn about America's enduring struggle for freedom, in all of its forms.

As I walked past original copies of Thomas Payne’s “Common Sense” pamphlet and a timeline of momentous events in our country’s history, I was really excited to see so many other people – including groups of high schoolers on field trips and families with the day off from work and school – exploring and, hopefully, learning about all the different ways the United States of America has fought for freedom and this right to vote.

Families were learning more about the original 13 colonies, and where the idea for our country was born.

One of the most important artifacts in With Liberty And Justice For All is one of the original 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence, which Congress authorized in 1823 - only about 30 of these survive today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And being a woman, of course I am intrigued by the “Votes for Women” section of the exhibit – particularly the map that shows, by state, when women were legally granted the right to vote. The struggle by these pioneering suffragists is a fascinating chapter in our country’s history; if you haven’t explored this section of the exhibit, be sure to take a look next time.

It may be hard to believe, but some states didn't ratify the 19th Amendment until 1984.

I hope you’ll have a chance to explore With Liberty And Justice For All the next time you’re in Henry Ford Museum – and I hope it will inspire you as much as it did me, whether it’s Election Day or not.

What other artifacts of With Liberty And Justice For All intrigue you? Any you’d like to learn more about?

Pumpkin carving tips for Hallowe’en – er, Halloween

On this fine fall Friday before Halloween, I will admit something to you: I am a pumpkin procrastinator. But based on the response I had gotten on Twitter, it sounds like I’m in good company! So if carving a spooky, funny or downright artistic jack-o-lantern is on your agenda this weekend, here are a few tips from Jim Johnson, our senior manager of creative programs; he knows a thing or two – each year, The Henry Ford’s employees and volunteers take the time to hand-carve more than 2,400 jack-o-lanterns for our Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village program!

Wow - look at all those pumpkins, just waiting to be carved for Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village!

Once you’ve selected and cleaned out your pumpkin, take some time using a dull flat tool to scrape the inner wall as thin as possible to allow for the most crisp detail.

Our employees and volunteers help prepare for carving by gutting and cleaning out the more than 800 pumpkins carved during each of the three carving sessions.

If you want to use a pattern – which can be enlarged on a copier to better fit the size of your pumpkin – firmly attach it to the pumpkin and use a small Exacto-like tool to carefully cut the pattern into the pumpkin. Then, carefully carve out the pattern with a fine knife. Jigsaw blades also work quite well, and specialty carving kits will often come with a variety of small tools for drilling and shaping.

 

My family and I use patterns to create fancy pumpkins at home, and we like to use votive or tea light candles to illuminate them in the traditional way. If you put your tea light inside of a wide-mouth glass pint jar, it will prevent the candle from blowing out or gutting out, if it is cold.

 

Another idea: Immediately after carving your jack-o-lantern, rub pumpkin pie spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, mace and nutmeg) into the lid of the pumpkin. Then, when the candle heats the underside of the lid, your jack-o-lantern will smell like a pumpkin pie baking in the oven.

 

If your pumpkin begins to dry and shrivel, soak it in your bathtub or laundry tub in cold water for several hours to refresh it – it will plump back up and look as good as new.

 

And when Halloween is over, you can compost your pumpkin in your garden – since they are made of mostly water, they will break down very quickly.

 

Happy Hallowe’en, everyone!

The Henry Ford Apple Kraut recipe

Here’s a great side dish from THF’s very talented, Chef Nick Seccia. This will be served at the new Local Roots event - Local Roots Oktoberfest Dinner on Sept. 24 in the Village Pavilion. Try it out and let us know what you served it with – or better yet, come to the dinner to experience the Kraut and our first ever Oktoberfest celebration!

The Henry Ford Apple Kraut
Serves 6

Bacon – diced small, ½ cup
Spanish onions – julienne, 1 cup
Stout beer – ¼ cup
Apple cider – ¼ cup
Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
Apples (medium size) – peeled, cored and diced, 2 cups
Caraway seed – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – 1 tablespoon
Horseradish – 2 tablespoons
Sauerkraut with juice – 6 cups
Brown sugar – ¼ cup

1. Render the bacon until crisp
2. Add onions and caramelize in the bacon fat
3. Add the remaining ingredients, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes
4. Serve hot with sausage or roast pork

An ordinary day on an “ordinary” bike

If you’ve been to Greenfield Village during the summer season, chances are you’ve seen the high wheel bicycles gliding gracefully through the streets – and then you’ve probably immediately asked yourself (or your travel companions), “How the heck does he get up there?!” 

Well, ask no more, my friend; Greenfield Village cyclist Jim O’Hagan will put your mind at rest.

These unique bicycles, properly known as “ordinary bikes” (although “ordinary” by whose standards?), came about around the turn of the century and were a luxury item to most.

So sit back and watch this video as Jim explains and then demonstrates how to ride these unique bicycles…and if you want to see them in person, hurry out to Greenfield Village – the summer season with all its old-fashioned games on the green, period-clothed strollers and ordinary bicyclists ends this Sunday, August 22!

#19 Racing in America Ford Fusion and 1965 Lotus-Ford 38/1

We here at The Henry Ford couldn’t be more excited about the two events we are having this weekend.

This Sunday, our newly restored 1965 Indy 500 winner, the Lotus-Ford 38/1, will be on display at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. But first, the Lotus-Ford had a very special unveiling ceremony this morning at Club XIX at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. The Henry Ford hosted guests and media to breakfast and a press conference right outside the Club.

Our Lotus-Ford shared the stage with another significant racing achievement, unveiling of the 2011 100^th Anniversary logo of the Indianapolis 500. (Yes, 100 glorious years of the famed Indy 500!) Vice President of The Henry Ford, Christian Overland, introduced 3-time, Indy 500 winner Bobby Unser to reminisce about the Indy 500, the Lotus-Ford and Dan Gurney, who brought together Lotus and Ford Motor Company to create the Lotus-Ford 38/1.

Simultaneously as the Lotus-Ford was unveiled by Christian Overland, Edsel B. Ford II, Automotive Curator Bob Casey and Dan Gurney and Indy logo by Bobby Unser, Johnny Rutherford – another 3-time, Indianapolis 500 winner – also unveiled the 100^th Anniversary Indy 500 logo at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(To watch the (recorded) simulcast from Pebble Beach and Indy Speedway, visit the Racing in America website – http://www.racinginamerica.com/content/newly-restored-1965-lotus-ford-381-makes-its-north-american-premiere-pebble-beach-concours-d)

Also on Sunday, the Racing in America name has one of the greatest opportunities in NASCAR – our name and logo on a NASCAR stock car! Yes, right on top of the hood, side panels and back bumper will be Racing in America Henry Ford Museum. It will be on the #19 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford Fusion driven by Elliott Sadler. As it drives around the 2 mile track at Michigan International Speedway, MILLIONS of viewers on ESPN and the thousands in the stands will get to see that logo race by. How cool! We’re very grateful for this partnership between Richard Petty Motorsports, Ford Racing and The Henry Ford!

Here are a few photos of the car at MIS from the Racing in America Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RacinginAmerica#!/album.php?aid=30144&id=119911758026203&ref=mf Also, while you’re there, become a Fan! We update the page daily and you’ll get the inside scoop on this great exhibition.)

Make sure to check out the MIS race on ESPN on Sunday (Pre-race starts about 1:00 or 1:30 p.m.) and check out the Racing in America Facebook page for updates on the NASCAR race and also Pebble Beach!

See you at the finish line!

About Racing in America:

Racing in America will be a 22,000-square-foot exhibition covering all forms of American auto racing, including stock cars, open wheel cars, sports cars, drag-racing vehicles, winged sprinters and land-speed-record cars. It will bring the story of American auto racing to life—its excitement, speed and spectacle; its challenges, its people and the ways it inspires innovation. History’s greatest and most significant racing vehicles will be featured, as well as technological advancements in the sport – from speed to safety to pit crew choreography.

Basil Mustard Roasted Heirloom Chicken with Spicy Chow

Basil Mustard Roasted Heirloom Chicken
with Spicy Chow
Serves 4

Spicy Chow (canned version)
(Needs one week prep before serving)

Chow
Green cabbage shredded fine, 2 cups
Banana pepper, seeded and minced, 3 each
Jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, 3 each
Red bell pepper, seeded and minced, 1 each
Yellow onions, minced fine, 1 cup
Sweet corn cut from the cob, 2 cups

Brine
Sea salt, 1 tablespoon
Low acid vinegar, 2 cups
Sugar, 4 tablespoons
Turmeric, 2 tablespoon
Celery seed, 2 teaspoons
Mustard seed, 2 teaspoons

1. Combine all ingredients for the chow, season with salt, pack into 2 hot, sterilized pint wide-mouth mason jars
2. Combine remaining brine ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Pour hot brine into the mason jars and clean jar rims
3. Close lids securely. In a low boil, submerge jars in a hot water bath for 15 minutes. Remove from water and let rest at room temperature.
4. Allow to set one week before using

Chicken
Heirloom chicken about 3 pounds, 1 each

Marinade
Fresh Basil leaves, 1 cup
Fresh Parsley leaves, ¼ cup
Fresh Oregano leaves, ¼ cup
Garlic cloves 4 each
Whole grain mustard, ½ cup
Dijon mustard, ½ cup
Red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons
Olive oil, ½ cup
Sea salt
Black Pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Mix until pureed.
2. Pour marinade over chicken, season with sea salt and black pepper and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Roast chicken on a slow grill with a lid for about an hour, turning frequently until an internal temperature of 165F is reached.
4. Allow to rest for ten minutes after cooking, then cut into quarters
5. Serve with the spicy chow

Learn the One Step with our Ragtime Street Fair dancers!

Marie Stawasz, our intern in the Media & Film Relations department, recently learned a few ragtime dance steps to prepare you for this weekend’s big event in Greenfield Village, the Ragtime Street Fair, and Marketing intern Jacquelyn Piechotte compiled a fun video to show you, too! This dynamic event celebrates the food and fun of the era that defined ragtime music, a precursor to the jazz era. Whether the music sweeps you onto the dance floor, or the scent of freshly baked cherry crisp whisks you to the food tent, there are plenty of exciting things to enjoy this weekend at the Ragtime Street Fair!

“People can say what they like about rag-time. The Waltz is beautiful, the Tango is graceful, the Brazilian Maxixe is unique. One can sit quietly and listen with pleasure to them all; but when a good orchestra plays a ‘rag’ one has simply got to move.” – from Modern Dancing by Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Castle, 1914

This weekend, join our costumed presenters for a spin on the dance floor during Ragtime Street Fair.

As I walked up the main stairway of Lovett Hall into the Grand Ballroom, I could feel the pulse of dancing feet above. Nearly 50 members of The Henry Ford’s staff joined Nira Pullin, movement coach and musical theater choreographer at Wayne State University, for an evening of ragtime dance lessons in preparation for the fourth annual Ragtime Street Fair, held this weekend, July 24-25 in Greenfield Village.

Pullin taught them the basics of the most popular dance of ragtime – the One Step – so that they can teach our visitors as well during the event. This simple and popular dance requires each participant to take only one step to each count of the music, making it easy to stay in time with the tune.

Deemed as America’s original popular music, ragtime music can be described as having an uneven or ragged rhythm. Musicians such as Scott Joplin and Charles L. Johnson integrated European music with syncopated African and Latin American rhythms to create a unique sound that became popular in the 1890s and paved the way for music of the swing and rock & roll eras.

Now that you know your history, click on the link here to watch a video teaching the One Step – then join us this weekend at Ragtime Street Fair and show off your fancy footwork!

Jacquard Loom in Greenfield Village

***Updated July 13, 2010***

Richard Jeryan is a volunteer in Greenfield Village and is dedicated to the Weaving Shop and its Team. Here’s an article from Handwoven Magazine from May/June 2008 about Richard and how he helped restore the Jacquard Loom in Liberty Craftworks.

Handwoven Magazine May/June 2008 Issue
An Industrialist and His Looms

Henry Ford couldn’t have foreseen how saving his boyhood home from being demolished would lead to the establishment of one of the largest living history museums in the country. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, started collecting America’s past. Starting with some McGuffey Readers, his collection soon grew. In 191, he saved the family home from being demolished by a road expansion, thus performing his first act of historic preservation, an act he would play out in earnest ten years later by establishing what would become The Henry Ford.

Jeanine Head Miller, Curator of Domestic Life at The Henry Ford, notes that “Ford collected the tools and buildings that represented the way of life he had known as a child – a way of life that had been dramatically changed by industrial innovation, including Ford’s own invention of the Model T. He collected broadly and deeply. For instance, Ford didn’t acquire just a few pieces of textile equipment, but hundreds.”

Today, Greenfield Village is spread out over more than 90 acres that are divided into seven districts. As an industrialist, Ford was intrigued by the efficiencies of mass production, but he also valued the craftsmanship involved in producing everyday goods, from cars to the flour used to bake the family bread. Greenfield Village pays homage to early American manufacturing in the Liberty Craftworks district by preserving old mills and offering demonstrations by skilled artisans weaving, potting and blowing glass.

Ford’s Loom
In the late 1920s, Ford established a private, tuition-free school on the grounds of the museum and village to educate youth based on his creed of “learning by doing.” The children were encouraged to use the equipment in the village and try their hands at a wide range of crafts from woodworking to weaving. In 1934, a timber-framed loom with a jacquard head was built to sit among the many others that were brought to the village. It is this Loom that caught Richard Jeryan’s eye.

Richard Jeryan spent his career at Ford motor Company as an engineer researching the use of structural fiber-reinforced composites. At the most basic level, these are the fabrics woven of glass, carbon, or Kevlar fiber and impregnated with plastic resin to create stiff material from which, among other things, cars can be made. Jeryan’s mother was a seamstress and his father a metal fabricator. He grew up with a respect fro materials and the means of making them into useful objects. In 1980, drawn to the mechanical nature of the loom and skill involved in making cloth, Jeryan learned to weave, which eventually lead him to volunteer at Greenfield Village.

In 2006, Jeryan, along with fellow volunteer Tim Brewer, set about restoring the Jacquard loom that had sat unused for years. Piece by piece, Jeryan and Brewer disassembled the head and researched the technology of antique looms. The loom will be in action weaving a blue-and-white sampler featuring a pattern from a mid-nineteenth century Indiana doubleweave coverlet called Frenchman’s Fancy of the million-and-a-half visitors expected to tour the Village in 2008.

Here are some other interesting facts:

• The Jacquard loom was patented in 1803.
• Our loom is one of only two operational Jacquard hand looms in public museums in the U.S.
• It can weave figured and fancy fabrics like coverlets, damask, paisley shaws and ornate labels for clothing.
• The Jacquard loom revolutionized weaving and cloth production in 1803 – these looms are still used every day, but they’re now computer-driven power looms.
• The loom use punch cards to create the designs – these cards were the inspiration for IBM’s computer punch cards/beginning of digital storage data.