Jackson House Street View- Image Courtesy of The Heney Ford Museum
On Thursday, August 8, history will come alive as Henry Ford commemorates The Jackson House in Greenfield Village with a series of public events. Kicking off with a site dedication in the village at 9:30 am, the celebration will culminate in a profound panel discussion, “From Selma to Detroit,” held at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation at 7:00 pm. These events will highlight the incredible significance of The Jackson House in American history, inviting attendees to explore its enduring legacy.
The Henry Ford Museum acquired the historic Selma, Alabama, home of Dr. Sullivan and Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson in 2023. This significant property, known as The Jackson House, played a crucial role as a safe haven where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders met, collaborated, and strategized during the pivotal Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965. These landmark marches were a powerful protest against the deeply entrenched racist policies in the South, and they significantly raised awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by black voters in the region.
Jawana Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr.and Dr.Sullivan Jackson
Image Courtesy of The Heney Ford Museum
In 2026, nearly 60 years after its initial establishment, the Jackson House will take its place in Greenfield Village. This historic house will be meticulously preserved to ensure that future generations from around the globe can immerse themselves in and learn from this significant piece of history. Once open to the public, visitors can experience the rich historical significance of the Jackson House firsthand.
Patricia Mooradian, President and CEO of Henry Ford, says this house symbolizes bringing liberty, justice, and voting rights within the reach of all Americans.
During the site dedication on Thursday morning, Mooradian will be joined by Jawana Jackson, the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Jackson. In the evening program, distinguished author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Pulitzer Prize-winner Jonathan Eig, and influential filmmaker Nelson George will join Ms. Jackson and moderator Jamal Simmons, Cable News Commentator and Former Senior White House Official. The evening program promises to be an inspiring discussion about The Jackson House and its enduring legacy in the fight for basic American freedoms.
“The Jackson House reminds us of the struggles people faced and the courage they had to do what was right,” Mooradian said.
For more information on the registration, events, and panelists, please visit https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/the-jackson-house-from-selma-to-detroit.
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