March 1, 2017 - March 1, 2018 @ Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
War erupted in Europe in 1914 and soon involved nations around the globe. The United States reluctantly joined the conflict in 1917 and began to build a large professional army from the ground up. One of the young officers who helped in this endeavor was a lieutenant by the name of Dwight Eisenhower. Eisenhower showed remarkable talent for organization and leadership during the years of American involvement in the war. Tasked with training thousands of inexperienced troops in the new and untested art of armored warfare, Eisenhower quickly built a strong and motivated group of soldiers while overcoming severe obstacles and setbacks. This exhibit tells the story of the Great War and its influence on Eisenhower’s budding leadership abilities. World War I, as it would become known later in the century, proved critical to the making of this American Icon.
April 1, 2017 - May 31, 2018 @ Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
Celebrate the Chisholm Trail Sesquicentennial as part of the tristate celebration with Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. See rare artifacts and historic photographs. Learn about the “square meal,” “real McCoy,” origins of the cowboy boot, and “the wickedest town in the West.” Discover stories behind the legends of T.C. McInerney, Bear River Smith, and Wild Bill Hickok among others. Find out why Dwight Eisenhower developed a love for all things western and the Cowtown that raised a President!
May 12 - August 24 @ Eisenhower Presidential Library Lobby
Growing up in Abilene, Kansas, Fitzwater looked up to Dwight D. Eisenhower as a hometown hero. Fitzwater earned a journalism degree from Kansas State University then embarked on a career that eventually lead to a decade of service in the White House, from 1983 to 1993. Fitzwater, the only press secretary in history to be appointed by two Presidents, recently donated his personal papers to his alma mater. The Eisenhower Presidential Museum is pleased to collaborate with Kansas State University to bring this extraordinary exhibit to Fitzwater's hometown. "Marlin Fitzwater: From Wheat Fields to White House" will be on display from May 12 to August 24, 2017 and will feature items from his distinguished career as Press Secretary to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush
July 23, 7:00 AM @ Downtown Abilene
Bike through the beautiful Dickinson County countryside on paved roads in 15, 40 & 60 mile rides, with plenty of water stops for riders. Benefits Kids in Crisis.
July 22, 10:00 AM - July 23, 2:00 PM @ Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Ride the historic Excursion Train pulled by a restored steam engine. Learn about early train history in Abilene, Kansas, and create a memorable outing great for the whole family!
July 24, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
July 25, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
July 25, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM @ Abilene Public Library
July 29, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM @ Eisenhower Presidential Library Courtyard