Museum Rededication Ceremony Celebrates Eisenhower’s Birthday
Press Release · Monday, October 7, 2019

Washington, DC

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas, will help celebrate the former president’s birthday with a museum rededication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 12.  The event is part of a weekend full of activities marking the reopening of the completely renovated 25,000-square-foot museum.  

The ceremony will include a keynote address by Dwight and Mamie's granddaughter, Mary Jean Eisenhower. Deputy Archivist of the United States Debra Steidel Wall will also be in attendance, and the museum will offer free admission all day. 

Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero commented on Eisenhower’s importance in his own life. 

“Many Americans felt a special connection to Ike. I did, and the Eisenhower Library found two letters I wrote him.  One when I was 10, and included with my letter a toy stuffed elephant for him to share with his grandkids, and one when I was 14, stating ‘I admire you deeply,’ and asking for a signed photograph,” Ferriero said. “The new museum will offer those who remember Ike, and those who do not, a greatly enhanced opportunity to follow his remarkable career trajectory from ordinary boy to leader of the free world.”

Dawn Hammatt, director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, expressed her excitement at the ceremony and other related activities.

“This ceremony marks the project as complete and we are thrilled to celebrate with our guests,” Hammatt said.  “The exhibits opened on July 29, but we felt it was important to celebrate this significant accomplishment during Eisenhower’s birthday weekend.” 

In addition to the ceremony, other weekend highlights include an overnight vigil by the Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars; a wreath laying ceremony by members of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, based on Fort Riley, Kansas; a pilgrimage in front of General Eisenhower statue by the American Legion; and a celebration of Eisenhower’s favorite sport by the Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club. The full schedule schedule of events can be found here. 

The newly-renovated Eisenhower Museum features state-of-the-art interactive displays that help bring Ike and Mamie to life, along with special interactive displays, immersive audio‐visual theaters, and rarely seen artifacts reveal Ike and Mamie’s remarkable lives. Plan your visit online at eisenhowerlibrary.gov, or call 877-RING-IKE (785-263-6700).  Located at 200 SE 4th Street, in Abilene, the museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m, and all buildings are fully accessible. 

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 14 Presidential Libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. Eisenhower Library public programs and exhibits are made possible in part through the support of the Eisenhower Foundation. More online.

The Eisenhower Museum’s full-scale renovation was made possible in part by donations to The Eisenhower Foundation’s Dwight D. Eisenhower:  A Legacy of Leadership Capital Campaign, a five-year $12,250,000 grassroots effort with donors from all 50 states.