Multipurpose Education Facilities Part of New Museum and Visitor Center

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center at Gettysburg was officially opened today as part of the grand opening of the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park. The Education Center was made possible by a $3 million grant from Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company.

Marty Mulloy, vice president Labor Affairs, Ford Motor Company, joined Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Governor Ed Rendell, actor Stephen Lang, National Park Service officials, Gettysburg Foundation supporters, and other corporate sponsors for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park.

'At Ford, we understand the value of preserving our American heritage, and we believe it is vitally important to share the historical impact of Gettysburg with generations to come,' said Mulloy.

Close to two million people visit Gettysburg National Military Park each year and an additional 12 million students have logged on for a virtual visit to Gettysburg through its distance-learning programs. The new Education Center includes indoor and outdoor educational program spaces and complements the Park's education programs.

'The Ford Motor Company Fund Education Center will be at the heart of the new Gettysburg museum and visitor center's education programs, providing a dedicated space for teacher workshops, classroom use and distance learning programs,' said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. 'Ultimately it will serve as a gateway to the Gettysburg experience.'

Gettysburg provides hands-on resources for teachers to bring the battlefields of Gettysburg to life both while visiting the park in Pennsylvania or studying the Civil War in their classrooms and helping students understand the realities of the Civil War.