Music brought a group of 45 youth choir members from Weinheim, Germany to the United States. And employees at Freudenberg’s Regional Corporate Center North America ensured this group discovered even more on their journey across the pond. Once in metro-Detroit, Freudenberg coordinated a memorable ‘Detroit Day’ for the youth choir of the ‘Singschule an der Peterskirche’ from Weinheim. That included a visit to The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
The word Ford may fuel thoughts of automobiles and the first-ever assembly line. But what many may not know about Henry Ford is he was an avid collector. By the late 1920s, Henry Ford had become the primary collector of Americana in the world. This provided an opportunity for these to explore America’s history in a visually compelling way.
The choir members were given the chance to step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand, by taking a seat. "It was very interesting to hear her story while sitting in the bus where everything happened. I’ve learned about much more details than I had known before my visit," says Annika, youth choir member from Weinheim.
In the evening, we drove with a bus through the city, and I can remember how impressed I was when I saw the cool buildings in Greek Town or when I watched the sun shining on the Riverwalk.
Ann-Sophie, youth choir member from Weinheim
After exploring American history at the Henry Ford Museum, they were taken to downtown Detroit for a self-made scavenger hunt. Many said this experience completely changed their view of the Motor City.
“Before we visited the U.S., I have learned in my English class that Detroit is known as one of the ugliest cities in the world. That is why I was surprised when I saw how beautiful Detroit can be. In the evening, we drove with a bus through the city, and I can remember how impressed I was when I saw the cool buildings in Greek Town or when I watched the sun shining on the Riverwalk,” says Ann-Sophie, a youth choir member from Weinheim.
These German choir members were able to stand next to some of the iconic sculptures that define Detroit. That includes the famous Monument to Joe Louis, in honor of one of the most famous boxers of all time. And the Spirit of Detroit, a 1950s bronze monument sitting on a 60-ton marble.
After performing a concert at First United Methodist Church in Northville, Michigan the group headed to Allentown, Pennsylvania. They also made stops in Chicago and New York City.
In front of The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
The famous Monument to Joe Louis, in honor of one of the most famous boxers of all time.
Performing at First United Methodist Church in Northville, Michigan.