|
|
        |
 |
Home > What's New > The Eisenhower Foundation: About About the Eisenhower Foundation Based
in Abilene, Kansas, the Eisenhower Foundation, a 501(c)3 public foundation,
was formed in 1945 after the Allied victory in Europe. Americans wanted
to honor their native son by establishing a memorial to General The Eisenhower Center--the family home and original museum--was opened in 1952 by the Foundation prior to the establishment of the presidential library system. Following the passage of the Presidential Libraries Act of 1954, the Foundation, in cooperation with public and private entities, raised $3.5 million to build the Library. The Eisenhower Foundation transferred physical ownership of these properties in 1966 to the Federal Government to maintain and staff. Today, five buildings, on 22 acres, comprise the Eisenhower Center-the Museum, Library, Family Home, Visitors Center, and Place of Meditation, a small chapel where President and Mrs. Eisenhower are buried, along with their first-born son, Doud Dwight. Following the opening of the Eisenhower Presidential Library in 1962, the Foundation was inactive for a number of years. In 1990, for the Eisenhower Centennial, it was revitalized and the Friends of the Eisenhower Foundation was organized. Since that time, the activities of the Foundation have continued to expand to include an Executive Director and an education office. Exhibits and programs at presidential libraries receive no direct government support; therefore, underwriting these public programs continues to be the major mission of the Eisenhower Foundation. Most exhibits, galleries, and other public activities at the Eisenhower Center are funded through the generosity of private donations. Outside contributions are essential to sustain the "margin of excellence" in providing public programs that tell the Eisenhower story.
|
|
 |
     
|
|
Copyright
2000, The Dwight D. Eisenhower Foundation. All Rights Reserved. |
 |
