Alright, folks, buckle up. I always wondered where you actually go to see JFK's car, that infamous limo from Dallas. Kept thinking it should be super easy, right? Famous car, famous event. Figured I'd just hunt it down and share how it went. So yeah, I set aside today for it. Spoiler alert: it didn't go quite as planned.
The Hustle Begins
Grabbed my sneakers, threw a water bottle in my bag, and dragged my buddy Mike along for the adventure. Headed out early, full of that "gonna see history today" energy. First thought? The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. Heard whispers online about presidential stuff being there. Long drive, made it just after lunch. Paid the entry, wandered around cars and planes for ages. Saw Rosa Parks' bus, that was powerful. But JFK's car? Nowhere. Asked a staffer. They just kinda shook their heads, looked at me like I had three eyes. "Nope, we don't have it. Never did." My heart sank. Major bummer. Feet already aching.
Plan B - The Presidential Library?
Okay, regroup. Mike's scrolling on his phone. "What about the JFK Presidential Library in Boston? Makes total sense, right?" It did make sense. But Boston ain't exactly a hop and skip away. Looked at the time. Already 2 PM. Boston? By car today? No way. Felt ridiculous. Why hadn't I checked this before I left the house? Rookie mistake. So much for that idea. Scratch Boston, at least for today. Frustration levels climbing.
Last Shot in the Dark
Starting to feel pretty stupid. Mike, bless him, tries to save the day. "Dude, maybe the National Archives in DC? They have, like, historical stuff?" Another logical guess. Lincoln's stuff, the Constitution... maybe they have a random car? Pulled up their website on the spot. Scanned exhibits. Cars? Presidential vehicles? Nope. Saw nothing about it. Honestly forgot they have different buildings too – like, where would it even be? DC felt even further than Boston. Knew deep down it wasn't there either. Total bust.
Reality Check and What I Learned
Sat down on a bench outside the Henry Ford, feeling pretty deflated. Two museums down, one practically impossible for a day trip, and all I saw were Model Ts. Sore feet, lighter wallet, and no JFK limo pictures to show for it. The harsh truth hit: I had done zero actual research before leaving my house. Just assumed, went on vibes and random internet whispers. Big mistake. Huge.
So, where is the darn thing? Turns out, after some frantic phone-searching right there on the bench:
- It is still in the custody of the U.S. government, maintained by the National Archives.
- It is NOT on public display anywhere. Like, literally hidden away.
- You need special access, like academic research reasons, to even request seeing it. And good luck with that.
Learned my lesson the hard way today. Passion is good, but a five-minute Google check before driving across the state? Priceless. Left feeling a mix of exhausted and kinda dumb. Wasted trip? Maybe. But at least I ain't gonna make that mistake twice. Do your homework, people! Save your feet and your cash.
