History or social studies teachers are constantly striving to make the past come alive for their students and to help them see that not only does the past relate to the present, but it can also give insights into the future. The recent passing of former President Gerald R. Ford provides social studies teachers with just such an opportunity. Ford's death brought his name to the attention of middle and high school students, and opens the door to teaching an important lesson on presidential history. Discussion of the Ford presidency inevitably involves his famous self-characterization: "I'm a Ford, not a Lincoln." However, political history and analysis also seem to bear out that, while Ford may not have been a Lincoln, he may have been a Hayes--a President Rutherford B. Hayes, so to speak. While neither the Ford nor Hayes presidencies will stand out in the annals of presidential history or become highlights of political science research, both presidencies can teach important future lessons. This article presents a suggested lesson in history and political science. (Contains 4 notes.)