Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Drives History Into the Future

GROSSE POINTE SHORES, Mich., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., continues the Ford family legacy of innovation and technology with its own iPhone and iPad application and interactive tour.  The app is free on iTunes and as a web app for most smartphones. Pre-loaded iPod Touches are also provided on-site to visitors of the historic home in suburban Detroit.

The launch increases accessibility to the Ford Family story using technology in a style that's leading the museum app revolution.

Using 60 minutes of exclusive video, an original soundtrack and never-before-seen footage of the Ford family at play in the 1930s and 40s, the app explores the home that Edsel Ford, the only child of Ford Motor Co. founder Henry Ford, shared with his wife Eleanor and their four children. The app weaves together home movies, an interactive estate map and site-specific interviews with the people who were there. Users experience the Ford family story via their smartphone, becoming the leader in their visit with this treasured American family.

Many videos were filmed by Edsel Ford himself, providing an intimate look into the auto legend's mind at a pinnacle time in the Ford family history.

"It's unlike any museum tour I've seen," said Kathleen Mullins, president of Ford House.  "It literally allows visitors to enter the story by providing access to personal movies of the family when they weren't in the public eye, relaxed and enjoying being a family.  It's very personal and sometimes deeply emotional.  Visitors will be able to connect with this iconic family in a whole new way."

For example, guests walking near the swimming pool can touch the screen to watch a video of Eleanor and the children playing by the pool, standing in the space where it actually happened. Or they will be able to watch touching footage of Edsel and Eleanor ice skating before Edsel's untimely death. (For a sneak preview of the iPhone tour, visit www.fordhouse.org).

"This technology is a liberation from the traditional, passive museum experience. It's really about you - what do you want to explore? This positions the Ford House as a real leader in the field," said Rob Pyles, Creative Director at the app's developer, Audissey Media.

The app is available free from iTunes and as a web app from most smartphones at www.fordhouse.org/mobiletour. Ford House admission includes a guided tour and iPod Touch use.

About Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores.  Since 1978, Ford House has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors to share in Eleanor Ford's vision of preserving the estate for future generations to enjoy through interpretive tours, family activities, lectures, exhibits and gardens and grounds events.  Visit www.fordhouse.org or call 313.884.4222.

SOURCE Edsel & Eleanor Ford House