More than 100 years ago, the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant was on the cutting edge of innovation—the first 12,000 Model Ts were made on its premises. But over the years, the "Birthplace of the Model T" was neglected, and in 1997, afraid that the bulldozers were lurking around the corner, ready to raze the premises, a committee was formed to investigate saving the plant. The Model T Automotive Heritage Complex purchased the New England–mill-style structure two years later, transforming it into an auto museum and National Historic Landmark. Today, the museum is one of the oldest automotive plants open to the public in the city of Detroit.

The venue’s exhibits chronicle not only Ford’s rise to the forefront of the automotive industry, but also lesser known tales. Visitors can learn about other car models built there, such as the Model N, and about other automakers, such as Wayne and Brush.