Mamie and 1950s Fashions at the Eisenhower Site

On Saturday, May 21st the National Park Service at Eisenhower National Historic Site will host a day of 1950s culture featuring the dramatic program, Mamie Remembers Gettysburg, a 1950s Fashion Show and a close-up look at the Eisenhowers' cars. 

Local resident Ruthmary McIlhenny will portray Mamie Eisenhower at 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. as she presents her program, Mamie Remembers Gettysburg. McIlhenny has been a volunteer at the Eisenhower National Historic Site since 1991. She has studied the life of Mamie Eisenhower and written her own original portrayal of the First Lady. Her 30-minute program is suitable for all ages and included in the site admission. 

The Victory Society will present Fashions of the Fifties at 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. The narrated fashion show will feature styles for men, women and children in both casual clothes and more formal attire. 

The Eisenhower garage doors will be open to allow visitors a closer look at the Eisenhower cars, including a 1965 Buick, the 4-cylinder Crosley Runabout, his golf carts, and the site's most recent acquisition, Eisenhower's presidential limousine. The 1955 Imperial made by Chrysler and modified by Derham was in the White House motor pool when Eisenhower was president and he used it to make many trips to Gettysburg. Staff will be stationed by the garage to answer questions about the vehicles. 

Eisenhower National Historic Site is open daily. All visits are via shuttle bus from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike in Gettysburg. Shuttles depart every half-hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Once at the site, visitors are welcome to stay as long as they want until the last shuttle departs the site at 5:15 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for adults, and $5.00 for children ages 6-12.  

For more information contact the Eisenhower National Historic Site at 717/ 338-9114