Fair Lane Today
Working on recreating handles for the Butler’s Pantry drawers.
Moving in the light fixture for Henry and Clara’s library.
After Clara Ford's death, the house was transferred to the Ford Motor Company and became the official archives of the Company. Most of the furnishings and collections inside the residence were removed. The estate was donated to the University of Michigan in 1957 for a new Dearborn campus. The University of Michigan, Dearborn, operated the main house, powerhouse, garage, and 72 acres of land as a museum. A restaurant occupied the former indoor swimming pool natatorium until the University closed Fair Lane to the public in 2010.
In 2013 the stewardship of the estate was transferred, and a private non-profit 501c3 was formed. Under the leadership of Board Chairman Edsel Ford II, an ambitious effort began to ensure the beloved home and legacy of Clara and Henry Ford endured. The estate was operated by the same leadership as the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores until 2019. Today Fair Lane functions independently. The Henry Ford Estate is a private non-profit funded by the generosity of the Ford family, Ford Dealers, and donors recognized on the Donor Wall and special grants from supportive institutions.
Many people ask, when will the restoration be finished? To date, much of the gardens, grounds, and main house have been restored by skilled professionals, artisans, and craftspeople to authentically reflect the original look and feel of the home as Clara and Henry knew it. But a large amount of work remains. A small, hard-working team is restoring the expansive estate to preserve the estate of an iconic couple so that future generations can understand the Fords' impact on the world. Occasionally, members have the opportunity to tour the house during behind-the-scenes tours. We invite you to JOIN and take advantage of these opportunities to see the restoration project up close.
When complete, Fair Lane will offer visitors an immersive experience to learn the extraordinary story of the Ford family in the intimate setting of their living room, dining room, and gardens throughout the estate. This National Historic Landmark will serve as the platform for visitors and future generations to experience.