Visit ENHS this Summer for Special Programs

Date: May 17, 2017
Contact: Ahna Wilson, 717-338-4415

Visits by world leaders to the President’s Gettysburg farm, the President’s Secret Service protection, his WWI experiences in the Tank Corps, the D-Day invasion and more are the focus of National Park Service programs at Eisenhower National Historic Site this summer. 

Programs include an opportunity to inspect the weapons and equipment American soldiers carried with them onto the beaches of Normandy; a guided walk with a Park Ranger through the streets of Gettysburg to relive the President’s life and times; and training to become a Junior Secret Service Agent.

Summer programs begin June 10 and run through August 13, and include:

EXPLORING EISENHOWER – Explore the life and career of this extraordinary soldier/statesman during a 30-minute walk or talk. Offered daily at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 2:15 p.m. Topics include Eisenhower’s military career, the Secret Service’s role in protecting the president, Eisenhower’s Presidency, and the Eisenhowers’ life in Gettysburg.

EISENHOWER AND THE MEN OF D-DAY – Learn what it was like to be an American infantry soldier under Eisenhower’s command in the D-Day invasion and see the weapons and equipment the soldiers carried. Offered daily at 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

JUNIOR SECRET SERVICE – Children ages 6 -12 visiting with their family may become Junior Secret Service Agents by completing the self-guided activities in the Junior Secret Service Training Manual provided at the site. Activities include practicing radio procedure, using binoculars to locate a suspicious object, and interrogating employees who might be imposters. New agents are awarded a badge and certificate. 

HIKE WITH IKE – This walking tour of downtown Gettysburg explores Eisenhower’s life in the community. Thursdays, June 15 - August 13, 7:15 p.m. Meet the ranger at the Gettysburg College gates, at the corner of North Washington and Water Streets. Free.

GREAT WAR DAY – July 8  This is a day-long event commemorating the entry of the U.S. into World War I and Eisenhower role as post commander of Camp Colt, the U.S. Army’s WWI tank training center located on the Gettysburg Battlefield. A living history camp with soldiers and historic vehicles will be on site, and special programs will be offered. Guest speakers will be at 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Programs are from 
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

“EAT LIKE IKE” FARM TO TABLE EVENT – August 19  Gettysburg Foundation and Eisenhower National Historic Site will host “Eat Like Ike,” an evening Farm to Table event at the Eisenhower Farm featuring Chef Josh Fidler (Fidler & Co., Gettysburg) and Chef Andrew Little (Josephine and Prima, Nashville, Tennessee). Enjoy the historic farm and landscape at sunset, cocktail party, five-course dinner, wine pairings, and exclusive tours during this intimate dinner inspired by Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower’s cookbook. Tickets will be available June 1 through the Gettysburg Foundation at www.gettysburgfoundation.org or by calling 877-874-2478. Seating is limited.  

 

ALL DAYS – Begin your Eisenhower visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg. Entrance to the Eisenhower site is by shuttle bus only. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis for the next available tour. Tours take place daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with shuttles leaving for the site every hour.  Advance reservations are also available by calling 877-874-2478. The fees are: Adults $9.00; ages 6-12, $5.00. A site visit includes an orientation tour, a tour of the Eisenhower home, a self-guided audio tour via cell phone, and ranger-conducted programs. Self-guided walks feature the putting green, rose gardens, guest house, cattle barns, and skeet range. A reception center includes a film about Eisenhower’s life, exhibits and a bookstore.