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Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village to Benefit From H.R. 3910

6 November 1998

Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village to Benefit From H.R. 3910 - Automobile National Heritage Area Act

    DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 6 -- Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield
Village will have even more reason to celebrate the automobile in American
life, as President Bill Clinton signs H.R. 3910, the Automobile National
Heritage Area Act, into law today.  This groundbreaking law will affect
automotive landmarks and related areas in Michigan, from Flint to Lansing to
Detroit.
    National Heritage Area designation will make the region eligible for
federal matching dollars, up to $1 million per year, which will allow the area
to market historical and cultural attractions that are connected to the auto
industry.
    One of the six corridors recognized by the signing into law is the Rouge
River corridor, which includes Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village.  The
90-acre institution, opened by Henry Ford in 1929, celebrates the spirit of
innovation in America.
    Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village has been instrumental in the
formulation of this act.  In part, the institution has:
    *  led the initiative of incorporating the Automotive National Heritage
Area Act as a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization;
    *  assisted congressional leaders in creating legislation in support of
the bill;
    *  facilitated discussion and planning between the National Park Service
and communities in each of the six corridors;
    *  worked with Ford Motor Company (NSYE: F) Land Development in the
development of a concept/vision plan for the Automotive National Heritage Area
Act, and;
    *  Devoted time and resources to educating, both the communities and
government, about the positive impact that will come to the region as a result
of this new law.

    "Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village is, proud to play a pivotal
leadership role in establishing the Automobile National Heritage Area," said
Steven K. Hamp, president, Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village.  "The
heritage of the American automobile is a very important national story that we
tell everyday in our museum," he continued.  "The bill will be able to
capitalize on increasing knowledge and awareness of this important part of
American history."
    Hamp remarked that the heritage area initiative has vast regional interest
and will have great local impact on quality of life issues.
    "There is great potential for increasing awareness of the importance of
this historic area, not only to the residents of Michigan, but also to
visitors to this area from across the nation and the world," Hamp said.  He
went on to say that it would be necessary to develop mainstream plans of
education, recreation, economic development, tourism and environmental
conservation.
    The next steps will include building a coalition with the Rouge River
corridor, home of the Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant, Henry Ford Museum &
Greenfield Village, Spirit of Ford, Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane, Automotive
Hall of Fame, Wayne County Parks & Recreation, and other tourist and
educational businesses, focusing on the quality of life in southeastern
Michigan.
    Hamp praised the efforts of Rep. John D. Dingell, who was a major sponsor
of the bill and recognized the support from Michigan's U.S. representatives.
"Mr. Dingell's perseverance and commitment to this bill, and the support of a
majority of Michigan's representatives, are the real reasons why we are all
celebrating the signing of this unprecedented bill into law," Hamp said.