MARVEL UNIVERSE OF SUPER HEROES

We always have a super time visiting The Henry Ford's Museum of American Innovation but had an exceptionally fantastic experience going to see the Marvel exhibit currently on display there. Marvel's Universe of Super Heroes delves into the history of the comic book publisher and how its characters have become pop culture sensations. From the very first super hero themed comic book released by Marvel to costumes and props from its recent movies there is a lot to geek out over on display at The Henry Ford.



Originally planned as a pre-pandemic exhibition an expansive space was planned out for people to wait in line to enter Marvel's Universe of Super Heroes. Now health safety protocols are in place so there is an interesting welcome area but it isn't packed with people as initially expected. Instead you reserve a specific time slot to show up with groups of no more than twelve people being admitted every ten minutes. The museum is taking crowd control very seriously in light of COVID-19.

Social distancing is encouraged and mask wearing is required by visitors within the museum. Please keep your masks on when taking selfies and group pictures while visiting the exhibit...and there are a lot of photo ops to be had! Mask Up Michigan!

There are a number of interactive opportunities to immerse yourself within the Marvel super hero universe while visiting The Henry Ford. My daughter was thrilled to participate in a virtual reality adventure that lets you jump in a suit of Iron Man armor and take it for a spin.

While my son was awed by a gallery of Iron Man suits from the Marvel movies.

My favorite Marvel character is Daredevil, criminal defense and personal injury attorney by day and crime fighting vigilante by night. I was geeked that he had his own gallery filled with comic book sketches, artwork and a costume of the hero used in the Netflix television show. One of this dad blogger's favorite aspects of the exhibit though there is a lot to enjoy.

Fans of the Marvel super hero movies will appreciate that a large selection of costumes and props have been brought to Detroit. My son hasn't stopped talking about seeing the Spider-Man costume worn by Tom Holland since our visit to Marvel's Universe of Super Heroes. He was also very excited to see up close a Captain America outfit that was worn by Chris Evans in the movies. Other cool items on display are props from Guardians of the Galaxy (including Peter Quill's Sony Walkman and the container used to hold the Power Stone), the Eye of Agamotto from Doctor Strange, and Thor's hammer Mjölnir.

Rare hand-drawn images of iconic heroes by the artists who designed them, original comic book art, as well as concept sketches, costumes and props from movies and television are marvelous to view. Plus there are lots of insights into the history of Marvel's super heroes and the people who created them. From a display about Marvel's newest fan-favorite character, Ms. Marvel and the recently introduced character Amulet whose hometown is Dearborn, Michigan (where The Henry Ford is located) to an original print of the very first super hero themed comic book published by Marvel this exhibit is a walk through encyclopedia of super hero goodness.

The highlight of the exhibit though are the life-size reproductions of a number of fan favorite super heroes. You won't want to miss out getting a selfie with Fantastic Four's Thing, Hulk, Black Panther or the Amazing Spider-Man! These photo ops bring the characters to life and provide nice mementos of the super time you are sure to have at Marvel's Universe of Super Heroes.

The Henry Ford is located at 20900 Oakwood Boulevard in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. Marvel's Universe of Super Heroes is on display at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation now through January 31, 2020. General admission tickets (12+) are $35 per person and include admission to the museum in addition to the Marvel exhibit. Youth 5 to 11 years old are $28.75 each and Seniors (62+) are $32.50. 4 years old and under are FREE.

Don't hesitate to reserve some tickets because time slots do sell out. Go to thehenryford.org to purchase your tickets and obtain a time slot for an adventure into the Marvel universe. While there you may also want to check out The Henry Ford's outdoor historical attraction Greenfield Village.

We've been staying close to home during the pandemic and we needed to get out of the house! Visiting Marvel's Universe of Super Heroes was just what we needed. An exciting, fun experience that provided some escapism from today's troubling times. Excelsior!

HALLOWEEN IN GREENFIELD VILLAGE

A Geek Daddy received complimentary tickets to this event

My family had a TERROR-ific time attending the first night of 2019's annual Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village event at The Henry Ford. This year's festivities take place on the weekend evenings of October 11 - 13, 17-20 & 24-27, 2019 leading up to Halloween. You are sure to enjoy wandering through a haunting landscape filled with costumed characters and Halloween decorations illuminated by more than 1,000 hand-carved Jack-o-Lanterns. Don't hesitate to make advance reservations if you want to go because the dusk to 10 pm time slots for this ticketed event do sell out.

Children and parents alike are invited to follow a pumpkin-lit path that weaves through the historic structures that makeup The Henry Ford's Greenfield Village. There are ten stations doling out goodies to trick-or-treaters along the Jack-o-Lantern trail which takes about an hour to traverse. Candy including Dum Dums Suckers, Laughy Taffy, M&M's, Milky Ways, Skittles, Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Twizzlers are what is primarily given out.

My wife and I sorted through everything before the kids dove into their trick or treat bags to filter out what they couldn't have due to their food allergies and this dad blogger ate whatever wasn't safe. Sometimes you just have to take one for the team! We all agreed the favorite treat given out during the evening were the bags of Better Made Potato Chips. We love Better Made because their products don't have any issues for us to worry about for our kids' food allergies and taste great.

Ever wonder if any of the buildings in Greenfield Village are haunted? The ghosts and ghouls emerge from the shadows for Halloween fun! Scarecrows come to life, specters try to scare you, monsters go bump in the night, dancing skeletons provide some merriment and a headless horseman gallops around during Greenfield Village's Halloween festivities. Spirits even take over the classic carousel!

This year parts of the trick-or-treating trail had a Wizard of OZ theme. You could get your picture taken with Dorthy, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, or the Wicked Witch. A haunted forest filled with flying monkeys had to be walked through before you could get to the city of OZ for a chance to chat with the Wizard himself in his throneroom. Instead of following a yellow brick road for your adventure it was an orange path of pumpkins.

There were a variety of interactive elements to participate in during our evening of spooky fun at The Henry Ford's Green Village Halloween. The clairvoyant Madam ZaZa told our fortunes while she gazed into a crystal ball. We walked across a troll bridge filled with fog and lit up with black lights. Had a chance to try on Dracula's coffin for size. My daughter's favorite part of our Greenfield Village Halloween was the Broom Hilda's flying lessons. She had a good time jumping on a giant sized broom and getting some tips about how witches fly on them.

In addition to the scares and treats being given out for Halloween at The Henry Ford's Greenfield Village there was also plenty of entertainment going on throughout the evening. The Top Hat Side Show was amazing filled with magic tricks, sword swallowing and fire spitting. I could have spent all evening hanging out there but my kids dragged me away because they didn't want to miss out on trick or treating. My son's favorite part of the night, beyond getting candy, was watching 1930s era Halloween cartoons that were being shown on a silver screen near a Gobblin' Stop that was selling deserts and beverages. Those cartoons really were a treat to view!

At other spots they had Halloween themed musical performances by groups with names such as The Transylvania Trio and Potion Sisters.  There also were sessions where spooky stories where being read by flashlight in the dark of night to audiences who braved these dramatic presentations of Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and The Tell-Tale Heart. Even the Grim Reaper got in on the action making an appearance at a bon fire.

My favorite part of the night though was The Pirate Revue. A rowdy bunch of drunken pirates were hanging around by Greenfield Village's lagoon.  They were telling jokes, singing and engaging in some sword play. Ahoy mateys, if ur ever wanted be a pirate this was the place to be! Definitely a highlight of our Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village that this dad blogger really appreciated.



The best part of Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village though was seeing my children having a lot of fun while the whole family was having a good time together. This event at The Henry Ford is an evening out where everyone in the family can enjoy themselves. While there are some scary aspects of this Halloween event for the most part it is more light hearted spooky fun than horrifying so that all ages should be comfortable participating.

Have yourself a Happy Halloween with a visit to Greenfield Village! Tickets for Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village are $17 for anyone over 2 years old for general admission or members of The Henry Ford get a discounted price of $14. For more information, go to thehenryford.org 

RIDE THROUGH HISTORY

I always enjoy visiting Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford.  This living history museum in Dearborn, Michigan preserves a hundred year era from 1830 - 1930. During that period in time there were incredible advancements bringing the world technological marvels that occurred from the harnessing of electricity and improved mobility due to the emergence of automobile, airplane and locomotive transportation. This is highlighted at Greenfield Village where you can wander through the early workshops where Henry Ford started his car company, Thomas Edison experimented with electricity and Orville & Wilbur Wright designed the first airplane to successfully take flight.

While touring these buildings and other historical sites relocated here is interesting, my favorite aspect of a visit to Greenfield Village is the opportunity to ride in vehicles from this time period of American innovation. Authentic horse drawn carriages, locomotives, and antique automobiles are all available to be rode around Greenfield Village in. There is also a classic carousel you can take a spin on.



Don't miss out on taking a leisurely ride. Many of the chauffeurs make great tour guides providing lots of interesting insights about the landmarks you pass during your ride. It also provides a great perspective to take in the scenery of Greenfield Village. Plus riding through history is just plain old fun and provides a memorable experience that is better memento of your visit than any souvenir you could bring home with you.

Here are the rides that are available at Greenfield Village:

HORSE DRAWN OMNIBUS SHUTTLE

Omnibuses pulled by teams of horses were the first mass transit in America's cities dating back to the 1830s. Originally just nicely outfitted horse-drawn coaches, eventually omnibuses began to follow paths of set iron tracks that their wheels rolled along. This provided a smoother, more comfortable ride for passengers and an easier burden on the horses. As transportation became mechanized, omnibuses became replaced by trolleys and subways in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

TRAINS

Locomotives monopolized transit across America from the mid-1800s through late 1900s until commercial trucking and air travel became more economical alternatives.  Travel like they did during the glory years of locomotives on one of the steam or diesel powered locomotives that loop Greenfield Village. Travel a 3-mile loop that provides scenic views of the landscape and historic sites along its track. You can also get on and off at stops along its route making this a nice way to cut down on your walking while exploring Greenfield Village.

Plus who doesn't love riding a train! It delights children and has a wonderful way of brining out the inner kid in adults. I'm always geeked when taking a ride on a Greenfield Village train especially because these are the real deal not the miniature versions often seen at amusement parks and zoos.

ANTIQUE CARS

Ride in a vintage Model T manufactured by Ford Motor Company. A wonderful way to immerse yourself in the environment of this living history museum. Everyone has heard of the Model T, the vehicle that brought automobiles to the mass market and launched America's car culture. You can actually take a ride in one when visiting Greenfield Village! And when you hear these cars honk their horns while being driven around on one there is no way you won't get a big smile on your face.

There are a variety of Model T automobiles (1908 - 1927)  that people are driven around in. There are convertible and sedan versions of Model Ts to ride in, but our favorite to take a lap around Greenfield Village in is the Depot Hack which were the first utility vehicles.  These were primarily used to take passengers from boat docks and train stations to their hotels when visiting a city or provide deliveries around town. We are a little biased on this though because this dad blogger's own father owns one and loves to give family members and friends a ride in it.

If you are going to Greenfield Village, taking a Model T ride is a must do activity!

DEARBORN COACH COMPANY BUSES

These buses were built in 1931 by Ford Motor Company to promote public transit using their vehicles. The bus was built on Ford's Model AA truck platform -- basically the Model A car that had a stronger frame, suspension and wheels.  Powered by Ford's standard four-cylinder Model A car engine buses like those utilized by the Dearborn Coach Company that became really heavy when loaded with passengers weren't very fast. Speed wasn't that important for these vehicles though because they worked in stop-and-go city traffic so as long as they were able to get people around they were good to go.

A nice way to see the sites of Greenfield Village is through the windows of one of the Dearborn Coach Company buses (aka 1931 Ford Type 330B Tour Buses) that transport people around the place. These are some of the most modern vehicles providing rides to visitors within Greenfield Village but they still provide a vibe that you have been transported back in time when riding one. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

HEADS UP THESE RIDES COST EXTRA

So you aren't caught off guard when arriving at Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford, please note that there is an additional fee beyond your general admission price to ride these historic vehicles. You can purchase tickets for single rides or an all day pass for unlimited riding. If spending an entire day at Greenfield Village I recommend paying extra getting an unlimited ride pass but if just spending a few hours there single ride tickets would probably be your best bet. Also note these rides are often included at no extra charge on the free admission days that Greenfield Village occasionally has or may be provided as part of the fee for special after-hours events such as Holiday nights.  Keep this in mind when planning a trip to visit Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan.

For more information about Greenfield Village, directions to get there and ticket packages, go to thehenryford.org. 

NATIONAL AVIATION DAY

Air flight has become an integral aspect of our transportation system. With that in mind, you have to be amazed by the advancements made over the last century that make flying people and freight around the world commonplace. In the overall scope of history, it really hasn't been that long since the Wright brothers visited Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903 to launch the first successful airplane.

For NATIONAL AVIATION DAY, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, thanks to a sponsorship from Delta Air Lines, is providing FREE admission on Sunday, September 18, 2019. The museum which is home to a variety of original and reproduced aircraft highlighting advancements in flight during the early to mid-20th Century is open from 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan (also hometown of Ford Motor Company's world headquarters) at 20900 Oakwood Blvd.  While there, visitors can also explore the temporary Star Trek exhibit that is at the museum for a limited time engagement at no additional charge.

Admission to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is normally $25 (Adults), $22 (Seniors) and $18 (Children) so NATIONAL AVIATION DAY is a good opportunity to really save some money when it comes to having a family outing there. Please note free admission does not apply to the attached Greenfield Village which will be charged to visitors on NATIONAL AVIATION DAY. Ticket prices for Greenfield Village are $28 (Adults), $25.25 (Seniors) and $21 (Children).

If you want to pay extra to visit Greenfield Village, there will be special activities revolving around the Wright Brothers as well as special access to their rarely seen private offices which normally are off limits to the public. Henry Ford purchased Orville and Wilbur Wright's bicycle shop (where they designed and manufactured the plane they flew in Kitty Hawk) and the home which they lived in their entire lives. These two buildings were transported from Dayton, Ohio to Greenfield Village in 1938 to be maintained and restored for future generations to appreciate. Historians will be stationed at both buildings on National Aviation Day to discuss the Wilbur brothers contributions to the development of airplanes and provide insight into these historic sites that have been relocated to Greenfield Village.

For those who just want to stick to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, there is still a lot to see for National Aviation Day. The entire museum is open to explore for FREE. You won't want to miss the Heroes of the Sky gallery, especially if you are visiting on National Aviation Day.  There are more than a dozen planes to see!

View a replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer. Take a look at the 1909 Bleriot XI which was the first aircraft to cross the English Channel. Check out a 1926 Fokker Trimotor which was the first plane to fly to the North Pole. Following his success with the Model T, Henry Ford designed a plane meant to be sold to the masses, the 1926 Ford Flivver, which never took off with consumers and Charles Lindbergh called the worst plane he ever flew is also on display.

There is also a replica of Lindbergh's Spirt of St. Louis aircraft that he flew the first trans-Atlantic solo flight in and a display honoring aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. See an actual barnstormer plane that toured the country in the 1920s delighting crowds with death defying aerobatics. There are also a number of passenger planes to view including a Northwest Airlines DC-3 which was the first commercial aircraft to make a profit by solely carrying passengers to destinations. The DC-3 opened the door to the commercial air travel we know today.

Fly over to The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to take advantage of FREE admission for National Aviation Day courtesy of Delta Air Lines. For more information, head over to thehenryford.org