celebrate 100 years at the historic ford hangar september 18-19

The public is invited to celebrate a century of history, innovation and aviation at the Historic Ford Hangar's 100th Anniversary Celebration on Friday and Saturday, September 18–19, 2026, in Lansing, Illinois.  

The two-day celebration will include a 100th Anniversary Gala, Historic Places Motorcoach Tour and free Expo & Aviation Showcase, offering something for history enthusiasts, aviation fans and families alike. The weekend will also mark an important milestone as plans for the hangar's future renovation and restoration are unveiled. 

"For years, our goal has been to fully restore the Historic Ford Hangar," said Village of Lansing Mayor Brian Hardy. "Now, as we celebrate its hundredth anniversary, we are unveiling the future. We invite everyone to join us for this special celebration of the hangar's past, present and future." 

The celebration begins Friday, September 18, with the 100th Anniversary Gala at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature presentations from architects, historians and local leaders, along with the debut of the renovation and restoration plans. Tickets are $150 per person or $2,000 for a table of 10, which includes recognition at the event and on the Ford Hangar 100 website. 

On Saturday, September 19, the free Expo & Aviation Showcase opens at 11:00 a.m. Visitors can enjoy parachute teams, vintage automobiles, aviation activities for kids and adults, live portrayals of Charles Lindbergh and a Ford Tri-Motor and other aircraft on display. Guests can also view the newly unveiled restoration drawings and speak with Principal Architect James Maciejewski about the hangar's future. 

A professionally narrated Historic Places Motorcoach Tour will depart from the hangar at 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $37.52 per person, and flight experiences will be available throughout the weekend. 

Designed by renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn and built for Henry Ford's Tri-Motor airplanes, the Historic Ford Hangar was completed in 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Today, it remains an important piece of aviation history and a significant architectural treasure in the Chicago Southland. 

"The history of the Chicago Southland is rich, and the Historic Ford Hangar contributes immensely to its story," said Visit Chicago Southland President/CEO Mary Patchin. "We are thrilled to invite residents and visitors to be part of this once-in-a-century celebration and experience both the remarkable history and exciting future of this landmark." 

For tickets, event details and a complete schedule of the Historic Ford Hangar's 100th Anniversary Celebration, visit FordHangar100.org. 

Visit Chicago Southland is the official destination management and marketing organization for Chicago's south and southwest suburbs. Visit Chicago Southland nationally markets and sells the Chicago Southland region as a destinationfor meetings and conventions, group tours, sports events and leisure travel. For more information, go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com.   

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