The Civics Education Hub of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

An Encounter With the Fords

Gleaves Whitney, Executive Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, shares how the DeVos Learning Center inspires students to exemplify the values that defined President and Mrs. Ford’s public service.

Featured Programs

Elementary School

See the three branches of the federal government in action through the life of President Ford. In this foundational lesson students will learn about each branch and explore Ford’s impact in each during his career by learning from Museum exhibits, original source materials, and hands-on activities. 

Grades: 3-5; 60 student maximum

Three Branches of Government

Middle School

Explore the use of humor and satire to comment on current events through political cartoons at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Students will learn about how political issues are represented in the media through cartoons—and have an opportunity to engage in cartooning on their own to reflect their opinions on contemporary issues.

Grades: 6-8; 15 student maximum

Political Cartooning Workshop

High School

Pardon me? Should Ford Pardon Nixon?

New to the DeVos Learning Center is an all-new role-playing game: Pardon Me? Should Ford Pardon Nixon? Perfect for a classroom of between 25 and 30 high school students, this is a fun, fast-paced game that invites your students playing the roles of powerful, real people from history.  What will happen when your students become a Washington influencer, all of you trying to persuade one another of conflicting agendas? 

Grades: 9-12; 25 to 30 students

Prepare for a great visit!