A cultural icon and one of Detroit’s most significant contributions to the world, the Model T is set to celebrate its 116th birthday with a special event on Sunday, September 29. Known as the “Sweet 116 Party,” the festivities will take place at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, the birthplace of the iconic vehicle. Sponsored by Absopure Water Company, this family-friendly event promises a day filled with nostalgia, history, and fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The celebration will feature free Model T rides, a vintage vehicle show, crafts for children, and an array of food and shopping opportunities. The event’s highlights will unfold in the museum’s first-floor event space, which will be free to the public. Guests eager to ride in a Model T can line up at the historic front entrance, a nod to the building’s rich past. At noon, visitors can enjoy a slice of birthday cake, though supplies will be limited.
Among the special attractions of the day will be a 1924 Model T fire truck, making a guest appearance from the Michigan Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti. This vintage vehicle is sure to be a hit with car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
To honor all classic cars, the museum is offering free admission to any drivers of vehicles manufactured before 1975. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors can enhance their experience with optional guided tours at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. General admission ranges from $10 to $18.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is where it all began for the Model T. In the fall of 1908, the first of 15 million Model Ts rolled off the production line at Henry Ford’s original factory, located at 461 Piquette Avenue. This National Historic Landmark, now 120 years old, was home to a series of groundbreaking innovations that revolutionized the auto industry, culminating in the creation of the world’s first mass-produced car.
The Model T, an affordable vehicle for the everyday consumer, changed the face of manufacturing, transportation, and urban planning worldwide. It also played a role in major social and cultural shifts, such as The Great Migration and the population boom in cities, as people moved from rural areas to take advantage of new opportunities. By the 1920s, half the cars on the planet were Model Ts, a testament to its far-reaching impact.
Today, the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into Detroit’s automotive past. The museum not only tells the story of the Model T but also showcases other vehicles produced in the area, including those from brands like Detroit Electric, Dodge, Cadillac, and Studebaker.
Open year-round, the museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It also offers private group tours and school field trips by appointment. With its rich history and charming event spaces, the Piquette Plant has become a popular venue for weddings and corporate gatherings.
For more information about the Sweet 116 celebration, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.fordpiquetteplant.org. Tickets are also available at the door. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the legacy of the Model T and immerse yourself in the history of Detroit’s automotive innovations.
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