Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home
Kansas
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas, honors the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. The complex includes Eisenhower's preserved boyhood home where he lived until 1911, a museum showcasing artifacts from his military and presidential career, and the presidential library housing his papers and documents. It also features a chapel known as the "Place of Meditation," the final resting place of Eisenhower, his wife Mamie, and their son. The museum opened in 1947 and was formally dedicated in 1954 with Eisenhower himself in attendance. The library, authorized by the Kansas Legislature, was constructed between 1959 and 1962, and the site became part of the National Archives and Records Administration system in 1966. Visitors can explore five buildings on the campus, including the museum, library, visitors center, boyhood home, and chapel, as well as outdoor features like a statue of Eisenhower and commemorative pylons. The site offers an immersive experience into Eisenhower's life, military leadership during World War II, and his presidency during the 1950s.
Planen Sie Ihre Reise nach Vereinigte Staaten mit KI
Erstellen Sie in wenigen Minuten einen detaillierten Reiseplan. KI schlägt die besten Orte, Restaurants und eine optimierte Route vor.
Tipp: Visit Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last museum entry one hour before closing. The campus grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. It's recommended to check the official website for special events and temporary exhibit closures. The research room is open by appointment only. Free admission is offered on Independence Day. Booking tickets in advance is advised during special events and high visitor seasons.
Interessante Fakten
- •The Eisenhower Presidential complex is one of only two presidential libraries started before the president's term ended.
- •Eisenhower’s boyhood home is preserved on the same site as the library and museum.
- •The final resting place of President Eisenhower, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, and their son Doud is located in the chapel called the "Place of Meditation."
- •A statue of General Eisenhower by Robert L. Dean Jr. is prominently displayed on the campus.
- •Five pylons on the site are inscribed with phrases commemorating Eisenhower’s life from birth through his presidency.
Geschichte
The Eisenhower Presidential complex is notable for being one of only two presidential libraries whose creation began before the end of the president's term.
The museum portion opened in 1947, prior to Eisenhower's presidency, and was dedicated in 1954.
Construction of the library began in 1959 and was completed in 1962, with Eisenhower and Vice President Lyndon B.
Johnson attending the dedication.
The site was transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration in 1966, becoming the fourth presidential library in the system.
The boyhood home was acquired by a foundation established in 1945, with fundraising challenges resolved through cooperation with Eisenhower's family.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Boyhood HomeLate 19th to early 20th century
The preserved house where Dwight D. Eisenhower lived from 1898 until 1911 before attending West Point. It offers a glimpse into his early life and upbringing in Abilene, Kansas.
MuseumOpened 1947, restored 1971
Houses artifacts from Eisenhower’s military career, presidency, and personal life. The museum was opened in 1947 and restored in 1971, featuring exhibits on World War II and Eisenhower’s leadership.
Presidential Library1959-1962
The library contains Eisenhower’s papers, documents, and historical records. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1962. It is part of the National Archives system since 1966.
Visitors Center
Features a gift shop and a theater showing a short film about Eisenhower several times daily, providing visitors with context and an introduction to his life and legacy.
Place of Meditation Chapel
A chapel on campus serving as the final resting place of President Eisenhower, Mamie Eisenhower, and their first-born son Doud. It offers a quiet space for reflection and remembrance.
Kontakt
Telefon: (785) 263-6700