News Release

Mamie Eisenhower Reproduction 1953 Inaugural Gown Now On Display at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

A reproduction pink inauguration gown with rhinestones is on display in a plexiglass case. There is a blue descriptive panel explaining the history of the gown along with a close up of the rhinestones.
A reproduction of Mamie Eisenhower's 1953 inaugural gown is now on display at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.

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News Release Date: January 15, 2025

Contact: Philip Brown

Gettysburg, PA – Eisenhower National Historic Site (NHS) staff are excited to unveil a new exhibit in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and 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.   

The exhibit, located in the Exhibit Spotlight of the Museum and Visitor Center, was installed on January 8 and will remain on display through the spring of 2025. The original gown was designed by Nettie Rosenstein and Eva Rosencrans and reproduced in painstaking detail by park staff, Alyce Evans and Eva Blankenhorn, of Eisenhower NHS. This faithful reproduction includes nearly two thousand hand-applied rhinestones. The exhibit draws visitor’s attention to the iconic style and fashion of Mamie as the Eisenhower’s commenced their first of two terms in the White House. Visitors to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center can see this temporary exhibit free of charge. Hours are 9 am to 4 pm through February 28. Hours are 8 am to 5 pm beginning March 1.

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 as a 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 the Eisenhower NHS website at www.nps.gov/eise.

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Last updated: January 15, 2025

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