Lots of historical Ford vehicles will be on display, and a new car will be added to a special listIt's that time of year when the summer really starts heating up, everyone is craving hot dogs, and fireworks light up the sky to celebrate America's birthday. This year, though, is a special one. The U S of A is turning 250, and among the multitude of star-spangled celebrations, Ford is putting on a free event from July 1st until the 14th, with Hagerty as the leading sponsor.The automaker is using Washington, D.C.'s Union Station, the front porch to the nation's capital, to host its Drive America Forward experience. It's a free public event taking place at a historic location where presidents have been inaugurated and soldiers have been shipped off to war. For decades, millions of Americans have stepped off trains there, arriving at the heart of democracy.But you might be wondering why Ford is doing this, and it goes beyond simply showing off historic vehicles like the Shelby Mustang and Ford F-100. Ford has a deep connection to the nation's history, achievements, and sacrifices, from helping families arrive at church safely to going to the moon, and of course, helping fight the world's wars. The automaker has left much more than a cultural mark on our nation, and all those stories will be told at this event and then some.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.The Ford Model T Put America On WheelsThe Ford Model T showed other automakers that an affordable car for everyone was possible – Credit: FordAll the way back in 1908, the Ford Model T was born, and it changed not only America but the entire world. It was the first time an affordable car became widely available, thanks to Ford's engineers perfecting the moving assembly line. The working world quickly became modernized as output increased.Plus, the Ford Motor Company paid factory workers a $5 per day wage in 1914, which equals a $52,000 annual salary in today's economy, so the hard-working folks who assembled the cars could actually buy one. This sparked the Great Migration as millions of people left rural communities in the South. The automaker wanted to do more than just pay living wages, though, so it found a way to help local communities even more.Trade schools, apprenticeships, and technical training became available to help students and employees learn more. Students gained work experience while learning about engineering, hydraulics, tool making, and electric applications. The training courses and classes were available company-wide.Ford's Factories Answered The Calls Of War, Famine, and PandemicsThe company's factories were used to build or manufacture essential items since the 1940s – Credit: FordWhen the world went to war the first time, Ford's factories were used to support American troops by manufacturing equipment crucial for success. Willow Run, a mile-long assembly line, rose from Michigan farmland to build B-24 Liberator bombers. It was so successful that one was produced every 63 minutes.AdvertisementAdvertisementDuring World War II, Ford produced around 58,000 airplane engines, over 390,000 tanks and trucks, and over 279,000 Jeep models. Yes, you read that correctly; I said Jeeps. The automaker didn't own the Jeep brand, but it was contracted to mass-produce original military Jeep models because Willy-Overland couldn't keep up with wartime demand. They were produced under the name 'Ford GPW'. Also, this is only a short preview of the great things you can learn about at the exhibit.Outside of war, the automaker has built thousands of ventilators with existing car parts and compressed air. Ford's factories and plants have manufactured over three million air-purifying respirators for healthcare workers and produced millions of protective face shields. From the San Antonio flood of 1921 to Hurricane Katrina and COVID, the company has stepped in to help build what it can and provide disaster relief.Another Mustang is Being Added to the National Historic Vehicle RegisterBefore this, the only Mustang on the federally recognized list was the 1968 Bullitt Mustang – Credit: FordIn 1965, the first Ford Mustang was revealed on the floor of the New York World's Fair. It has survived for decades, becoming an absolute icon of American car culture. The Mustang's design was so popular that the company sold over 22,000 units the first day of sales. The National Historic Vehicle Register, a federally recognized list of historically important vehicles maintained by Hagerty, is adding the original 1965 World's Fair car to the list during the event, cementing the nation's historical (and ongoing) love for the original Pony Car."The 1965 Mustang display at the World's Fair wasn't just a car launch, in many ways it was the launch of an entire generation," said McKeel Hagerty, Chairman of Hagerty and the President of the Board of Directors of the Hagerty Drivers Foundation. "This particular car carried tens of thousands of enthusiasts into the future at the most celebrated exhibition of its era. Its story belongs to all Americans, and there is no better moment to make that official than America's 250th birthday."AdvertisementAdvertisementBefore this addition, the famous 1968 'Bullitt' movie Mustang was the only Mustang on the list, having been inducted in 2018. Now, there are two Mustangs on the list, joining the 1964 Shelby Cobra Dayton, the 1940 Ford Pilot Model "Jeep," the 1932 Ford Model 18, and the 1927 Ford Model T.From The Race Track To The MoonHearing Neil Armstrong's voice in 1969 wouldn't have been possible without Philco-Ford – Credit: FordBut the automaker's racing history actually dates back to 1901 when it circled the track at Grosse Pointe. Crushing Chevy and Dodge has always been important to the brand as it continues its racing tradition after 125 years. It joined NASCAR in 1948 and won the first-ever sanctioned race at Daytona Beach. Ford's still a major player in NASCAR, as well as other major series.From Le Mans to the Baja 1,000 and even the women's-only Rebelle Rally, Ford has helped drivers and off-roaders reach new levels of victory. But one could argue that its most important contribution to victory was helping America dominate the space race by providing a significant helping hand during the Apollo 11 mission with its tech subsidiary, Philco-Ford, and winning a bid to implement the Mission Control Center in Houston, Texas.After NASA contracted Philco-Ford in 1963 as the primary contractor, Ford's best engineers got busy engineering giant computers, radar tracking devices, and voice communications that allowed astronauts to talk to Earth from space, too. The voice of Neil Armstrong in 1969 saying, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," would not have been audible if it weren't for Ford.The Celebrity ImpactQueen Latifah loves her Ford Mustang – Credit: FordIf you aren't exactly a classic car enthusiast or history buff, there are still plenty of things to see and learn about at the exhibit, including pop culture. The brand has plenty of ties to the fashion industry and even partnered with Versace to craft unique pieces. Its luxury division, Lincoln, still makes attractive interiors today, and Ford also ran a piece about the best hairstyles for convertibles during the summer.AdvertisementAdvertisementSo many celebrities have gravitated towards the brand that it's hard to keep track of. Alan Jackson is country music royalty with a well-known love of Ford trucks. Lady Gaga owns and adores her first-gen Ford SVT Lightning (only two model years were ever produced). Also, the famous Charlie's Angels solved cases and stopped bad guys with their Mustang. Elvis loved his Bronco, and an Explorer stars in the original Jurassic Park film.But the automaker also had a role in keeping our Presidents safe and comfortable with Lincoln limousines from the late 1940s through the 1980s. It also helped Pope John Paul II visit America in style by building a special Pope Mobile based on the Ford Bronco in 1979. Pope Leo XIV uses a custom-made Ford Explorer on Vatican grounds as well.Ford Isn't Done YetWith the Ford Super Duty Carhartt – Credit: Shannon BassettWhile the Driving America Forward Ford Experience showcases a never-before-seen collection of historic cars and artifacts and plenty of patriotic history, the automaker isn't done helping America and its people roll forward. It's had a massive impact on shaping the nation with plenty of success and lots of pride.The brand will continue to help those in need through providing disaster relief to those impacted by natural disasters and more. Plus, it will continue to contribute to our honored military members and first responders by providing better cars and tools needed for protection, care, and rescue situations.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the F-150 has been the best-selling truck for 49 consecutive years, it doesn't have any plans to slow down soon. The truck is even getting a slight refresh in 2027 to stay modern and advanced to provide the best for travel, work, and towing. So, if you're in the D.C. area this July, go take a few minutes to celebrate our history with Ford.