May 1, 2000
 

 A new exhibit, “The President’s Own:  The United States Marine Band,” that incorporates 80 photographs and reproductions of documents covering topics ranging from the band’s history and to the origin of the famous, “Hail to the Chief,” will open June 19 in the Eisenhower Library’s second floor gallery and close December 31, 2000.
 President John Adams approved legislation in 1798 officially establishing the Marine Corps and the United States Marine Band into being. The band, now America’s oldest musical group, originally consisted of a drum major, a fife major, and 32 drums and fifes.  When the nation’s capital was moved from Philadelphia to the new federal city of Washington in 1800, the Marine Band came with the President and made its White House debut on New Year’s Day in 1801 for a reception held by President and Mrs. John Adams.

 Performing at some of the most memorable and cherished moments in our nation’s history, including the famous Gettysburg Address by President Lincoln, the band provided music for every inauguration since Thomas Jefferson, the president who gave them the title, The President’s Own.

 The White House Historical Association, the Office of the Curator-The White House, and the United States Marine Band in cooperation with the National Park Service, assembled the display hoping to present the distinguished history of the United States Marine Band.  “The Eisenhower Library is fortunate to have this wonderful exhibit on the history of the Marine Band,” said Dennis Medina, museum curator.  “The band’s purpose is unique—to provide music for the President, whether performing on the south lawn as heads of state arrive, at state dinners, or ceremonies and receptions.  The music adds to the pageantry of the occasion, and the Marine Band has become a national institution and treasure.  Our visitors will have the opportunity to learn about America’s cultural heritage, while a taped recording of several selections will play in the background while visitors observe the exhibit.”

 The Dwight D. Eisenhower Library is one of ten presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.  The complex is open from 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., with summer hours of 8 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., and closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  For more information please call 785-263-4751 or toll free 1-877-RING IKE.