Preserving the Legend:
Celebrating 120 Years and Motor City History
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is one of the oldest surviving automotive factories in the world. It is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and a global pilgrimage destination for visitors. The first of 15 million Model Ts was produced in 1908 at this iconic Ford Motor Company facility. An unprecedented and revolutionary machine, the Model T helped make Detroit the Silicon Valley of its era and influenced automotive trends into the current century.
Read more about how this legendary place changed the world here.
The Piquette Plant needs significant infrastructure investment to preserve it for future generations. Gifts of all sizes are needed.
Ongoing capital projects at the museum include an entirely new electrical system to ensure a fully operational fire suppression system and safe wiring throughout the facility’s 67,000 square feet. The estimated cost of this project is currently $1.4 million. Funding to date includes a “Save America’s Treasures” grant from the National Park Service in the amount of $500,000, and a $40,000 capital grant from Michigan Arts & Culture Council.
A new electrical system will pave the way for additional projects essential to keeping this precious building open to the public. Gifts to the Preserving the Legend Capital Campaign are needed. For more information contact Jill Woodward at
jwoodward@fordpiquetteplant.org.
