February 8, 2002

The Eisenhower Museum in Abilene, Kansas will remain open during construction to completely renovate the museum’s Presidential gallery.  Scheduled to open on October 12, 2002 during the annual Eisenhower Day and Birthday events, the $3.2 million project has been in the design stage for over two years. Dan Holt, director of the Eisenhower Library and Museum, stated that “in order for the work to proceed, we will be closing the current presidential gallery to the public on February 1. Other galleries remain open with plenty to see in the newly refurbished Mamie Eisenhower gallery and the special exhibit on the Korean War and M*A*S*H.  All other buildings at the Eisenhower Center will remain open as well.” The funding for the exhibit is being raised from private sources by the Eisenhower Foundation. Funds for renovation of the electrical and mechanical systems have been allocated from the National Archives and Records Administration who administers all Presidential libraries.

The new gallery will follow the story of Eisenhower’s post-World War II years beginning with his service as Chief of Staff of the Army, as President of Columbia University, as the first military commander of NATO, and his decision to run and be elected to the presidency in 1952. The exhibit will then focus directly on Eisenhower’s two terms as president and his life in retirement. Holt said, “The primary theme of the new exhibit is to ‘teach’ the decade of the 1950s. It is vital that we place the Eisenhower presidency in the context of the time period. The presentation will cover all aspects of the time period from the fads and fashions of the popular culture to the dangers of the Cold War. In addition to extensive wall exhibits and film presentations, seven computer driven interactive Learning Centers will feature information on demand.  Some of those objects will be photographs, documents, film, problem solving exercises, history games, video taped interviews with former members of the Eisenhower administration, historians and contemporaries.

In the Introductory Gallery visitors see glimpses of Eisenhower’s life as youth in Abilene and ending with his funeral. The Temporary Gallery features the popular exhibit, through April 2003, “Korea and M*A*S*H: A War Remembered,” featuring many items from the television show, M*A*S*H on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, and historical items including period uniforms, guns, war letters from soldiers and military leaders on both sides, film, and a detailed account of the war.

The Mamie Eisenhower Gallery was recently refurbished with new cases and lighting to better present many of the first lady’s fashions and jewelry, some on exhibit for the first time.  The Military Gallery was renovated in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of World War II.

Also available to visitors are the Eisenhower Family Home, the Library, Visitors Center, and Place of Meditation, the final resting place of President and Mrs. Eisenhower and their first-born son, Doud Dwight. Special events and programs to celebrate the opening of the new gallery will be announced later. The Eisenhower Center is located two miles south of the Abilene exit off Interstate 70.  The complex consists of five buildings located on 22 acres.  All buildings are handicapped accessible and open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.  All buildings are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

For additional information call 785-263-4751 or toll free 1-877- RING IKE.  The Dwight D. Eisenhower Library is one of ten Presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.