Ford House
Lee Slusher is a museum technician at Ford House since March 2021, with previous experience as an intern at Monroe County Historical Museum from May 2018 to March 2021, focusing on the digital preservation of a photography collection and the rehousing and cataloging of military artifacts. Additional roles include a graduate assistant position at the Center for Archival Collections at Bowling Green State University, where Lee contributed to the development of digital collections, and a graduate teaching assistant role, providing educational support and mentoring students. Prior to these roles, Lee worked as a lead line cook at LA Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, managing kitchen operations for twelve years, and completed an internship at Hancock Historical Museum, enhancing skills in collections management and exhibition tours. Lee holds a Master of Arts in Public/Applied History from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of Toledo.
Ford House
An American Tresaure, where exquisite architecture, breathtaking lakefront grounds and a collection of fine & decorative arts tell the story of one of America's most important industrial families... The Fords were cultural, social and economic leaders in an era of great optimism, as well as a turbulent time of economic depression and world war. They were nationally prominent and they owned more than one house, but Southeast Michigan was their home. Here they built their final residence along the shores of Lake St. Clair, at a place known locally as Gaukler Pointe. Their impressive yet unpretentious home is where they raised and nurtured their four children - Henry II, Benson, Josephine and William - in a safe and loving environment. It reflects their love of family as well as their mutual passion for art and quality design. The house was designed by Albert Kahn to resemble a cluster of Cotswold village cottages, complete with stone roofs, vine-covered walls and lead-paned windows. Strolling through the thoughtfully decorated halls, visitors come face-to-face with a stunningly diverse collection of art, antiques and furniture that reveal the Fords' progressive and educated tastes in art and design. The Ford House grounds are a work of art in their own right. Designed by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen, the meadow, rockwork and water components appear to be almost completely natural but were meticulously planned. The estate provided a place for the Fords to relax, raise children and pursue personal interests, shielded from the demands of their public lives. As steadfast supporters of the community, arts and other philanthropic endeavors, the Fords generously donated to education and medical research while contributing immeasurably to the growth of Detroit's cultural resources.