150b. Eisenhower Museum

Our adventure on October 1 took us to the Eisenhower Museum in Abilene.   It is an amazing museum and I would encourage everyone to check it out.  We happened to be there during the temporary exhibit honoring 50 years.  We don't know what the museum is normally like, but this exhibit is definitely worth seeing.  And, you still have time--it will be there until January 29, 2012.    I (Angel) learned a lot during our visit.  I learned that the U.S. consisted of 48 states when Eisenhower became President.  Both Alaska and Hawaii were added to the U.S. during his Presidency.  Eisenhower was instrumental in establishing the Interstate Highway System.  And, the words "under God" were added to the pledge of allegiance during his Presidency.  I knew there was a reason I always liked this man.  I thought I liked him because he was from Kansas.  After visiting the museum, I think he may just become my favorite president.  However, I did not have a chance to read every word in the museum.  I do have a book about President Eisenhower downloaded on my Kindle.  I can't wait to read more about him. 

Eisenhower's Military History

I don't remember really knowing much about Mamie Eisenhower.  But, what we saw and read at the museum makes me want to learn more about this woman.

150a. Eisenhower Museum Complex

Our next adventure October 1 took us to the Eisenhower Museum Complex.  Beside the museum itself (check out our next blog) there are other facilities on the complex you can visit.  There is of course the visitor center/gift shop, Eisenhower's boyhood home, the Eisenhower Presidential Library, and the Place of Meditation.   We were glad we had enough time to check them all out.  Angel was impressed to see the solar panels on the complex grounds.  We were also impressed that all buildings are wheelchair accessible and have a lift to help avoid the stairs.

Eisenhower's Boyhood Home
You do have to sign up for a tour at the visitor's center before you can go in.  But, the tour is free and only about 15 minutes.  It is definitely worth checking out.

Check out the horn hat rack on the corner of the door

Mrs Eisenhower used to bake several loaves of bread per day and keep them in here.

Every family needs a family Bible

Eisenhower Presidential Library

The Library part housing books is not open to the public.  However, you can see a special exhibit.  Right now it happens to be "Quilts of Valor" and they are absolutely amazing.  There is also a meeting room that we could look into and were impressed with the display of flags.  Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower are in there too.  :)

Angel was so thankful for the wheelchair lifts

The Place of Meditation

The Place of Meditation is a quiet chapel with a fountain in the courtyard.  There are beautiful stained glass windows and a few pews to sit and spend some quiet time with God.  It also happens to be the final resting place of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower and their oldest son, Doud.  It is difficult for Angel to get the sense of peace and be able to spend time with God, when this is technically a mausoleum.  Maybe that's just a personal thing though. 





149b. Dickinson County Historical Museum (Chisholm Trail Days)

Inside the Heritage Center of Dickinson County there are two museums.  We visited them both on October 1.  While you are there, be sure to  check out the outside buildings and C.W. Parker Carousel.  You can read all about them in our previous post.  http://kansas150th-150thingstodoinkansas.blogspot.com/2011/10/149a-chisholm-trail-days-festival.html

Part of the museum tells about the history of the area.  We thought the railroad information was  neat since we got to ride the train.  http://kansas150th-150thingstodoinkansas.blogspot.com/2011/10/148-abilene-and-smoky-valley-steam.html There were also some very cool firearms displays (if you like guns) celebrating the different forts, cowtowns, etc. of Kansas.  It was fun to see which ones we have visited on our adventures. 

 

 The Heritage Center also houses the Museum of Independent Telephony.  This was the first time any of us had seen a museum dedicated to the telephone.  It tells the story of the Abilene entrepreneur who started Sprint.  Just goes to show Kansans know how to dream big and make things happen.  It was very interesting to see the changes the phone industry has gone through.  The kiddos had a great time using the switchboard and phone booth.  They did have to learn how to use a rotary dial instead of a push button phone.  We did not get pictures of all the telephones.  So, if you go, be on the look out for Kermit, Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, and Spiderman.

 

 

Our son's balloon sword was a hassle



The kiddos loved the telephone pole and worker in the middle of the museum