Eisenhower National Historic Site staff are excited to unveil a new exhibit in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. This temporary exhibit now includes a reproduction gown similar to that worn by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located in the Eisenhower Exhibit Spotlight at the Museum & Visitor Center, the temporary exhibition of the reproduction gown was installed on Jan. 8. It will remain on display through the spring of 2025.
A reproduction of Mamie Eisenhower’s 1953 inaugural gown is now on display at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. NPS Photo
The original gown was designed by Nettie Rosenstein and Eva Rosencrans. The gown has been reproduced in painstaking detail by Eisenhower National Historic Site staff members Alyce Evans and Eva Blankenhorn. This faithful reproduction includes nearly two thousand hand-applied rhinestones. The exhibit draws visitors’ attention to Mamie’s iconic style and fashion as the Eisenhowers commenced their first of two terms in the White House.
Visitors can view this temporary exhibit free of charge. Located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Museum & Visitor Center is currently operating on winter hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Feb. 28. Beginning March 1, the Museum & Visitor Center will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield, the farm served the president and first lady as a weekend retreat and meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a respite from Washington, D.C., and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions. For more information, visit nps.gov/eise.
The Gettysburg Foundation is the official non-profit partner of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Source: Gettysburg Foundation