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‘Henry Ford
and the Jewish Question’

Lecturer
Dr. Steven Watts

Museum and JHSM collaborate for unprecedented event.

KERI GUTEN COHEN STORY DEVELOPMENT EDITOR

PHOTOS BY ANTHONY LANZILOTE

T

he Henry Ford: Through a Jewish Lens” Nov.
18 at The Henry Ford in Dearborn was a col-
laboration between the museum and the Jewish
Historical Society of Michigan. The event, which drew
600 people, was an unprecedented examination for the
museum of Henry Ford’s anti-Semitism as well as a
celebration of Jews as American innovators, designers
and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Steven Watts of the University of Missouri and
author of The People’s Tycoon: Henry Ford and the
American Century (Vintage, 2005) was the speaker.
“Henry Ford was a groundbreaking figure,” Watts
said, “but his failings left an indelible stain on his rep-
utation and legacy.”
Watts outlined the depth of Ford’s anti-Semitism,
citing his newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, as the
mouthpiece of his hatred of Jews.
“It’s hard to find a more blatant anti-Semite in

TOP: Charlotte Dubin and textile artist Ruth Adler
Schnee share a laugh near a pop-up exhibit of
Schnee’s work. ABOVE: Modern studio glass chess set
by a Jewish artist.

Laurel Epstein of West Bloomfield looks at a pop-up display
of Jewish holiday items.

American history,” Watts told the crowd. “And he
never revealed the origin of his intense dislike of
Jews.”
Yet, Watts said, he worked closely with Jewish pro-
fessionals, like architect Albert Kahn, who designed
the Ford Highland Park and Rouge plants. And he
counted Rabbi Leo M. Franklin of Temple Beth El a
close friend and neighbor.
Risha Ring, JHSM president, said, “This event is so
significant because The Henry Ford wanted to expose
this. They paid for the speaker; they wanted to show
they are not like that — and they did show it.”
Larry Gunsberg, a JHSM officer, said, “I found this
an excellent way for the community to embrace the
generational changes in the Ford family.”
Following Watts’ speech, attendees were treated to
refreshments and a dozen pop-up exhibits highlight-
ing Jewish contributions to American life. ■

Richard Barr of West Bloomfield examines Albert Kahn-related artifacts.

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December 6 • 2018

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