Made in America: Manufacturing

Explore artifacts large and small documenting American manufacturing ingenuity from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Daily Activities at Made in America: Manufacturing

While there are no scheduled activities today, be sure to see our complete activities listing for upcoming offerings.

See all Activities

Our vast collection of artifacts large and small documents American manufacturing ingenuity from the 18th to 20th centuries. You’ll encounter the McCoy Lubricator, an historic Ingersoll Rand Planer—even participate in a hands-on event and assist in the assembly of a Model T—and more. 

Highlights

Henry's Assembly Line

Hands-on Assembly Line

 Activity Museum of American Innovation   Details

Henry's Assembly Line

Try your hand at working on an assembly line building a miniature Model T. See how Henry Ford revolutionized modern manufacturing in this exciting activity.

What better way to learn about the innovation of the assembly line than to participate in one?  In this hands-on activity, you’ll work with other guests to assemble a miniature wooden Model T using the station and moving assembly line methods. The activity duration is approximately 20 minutes.

  Details

Made in America: Manufacturing

Check out some of the amazing inventions you'll see first-hand when you take a journey through our Made in America: Manufacturing exhibit in Henry Ford Museum.

McCoy Lubricator

African American inventor Elijah McCoy received more than 50 patents, including one for this device to keep moving steam locomotive parts oiled.  

Intricate Parts

Carefully crafted parts worked together to drive the engines.  

Model T Assembly Line

Henry Ford's implementation of the assembly line allowed the mass production of the Model T, and eventually, other products.