Eisenhower Event Highlights Mamie, 1950s Fashions, and Tea

Date: April 16, 2014
Contact: Carol Hegeman, 717-338-9114 Ext. 4411

Mamie Eisenhower said she and Ike had lived in 37 different homes during their married life. Learn the story of this general's wife and first lady on May 17 when the National Park Service at Eisenhower National Historic Site features the dramatic program, Mamie Remembers Gettysburg. The site will also host a 1950s Fashion Show, provide a close-up look at the Eisenhowers' cars and host a high tea sponsored by the Gettysburg Foundation. 

Local resident Ruthmary McIlhenny will portray Mamie Eisenhower at 10:45 a.m. and 2:15 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 11:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. The narrated fashion show will feature styles for men, women and children in both casual clothes and formal attire. 

The Gettysburg Foundation is offering a tea at the event, under a tent on the lawn. The high tea with Mamie, portrayed by McIlhenny, will feature an assortment of finger sandwiches and savories along with scones and clotted cream. The meal will be topped off with delicious desserts including a piece of Mamie's famous chocolate fudge. There is an additional fee for the tea and advance reservations are needed as the tea usually sells out. 

Also that day 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 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 stationed by the garage will 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.  To purchase admission and tea tickets in advance, please call Eisenhower reservations at 877-874-2478.

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