Media Contact:
Samantha Pryor
Communications Director
Contact the Media Desk
ABILENE, Kan. — The Eisenhower Presidential Library is pleased to announce a special hybrid Lunch & Learn program titled "Ike & the Little Rock Nine," taking place on August 27, 2026, at 12 p.m. CDT. Guests attending in person are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. The Library will provide a light box-lunch on a first-come, first-served basis. This hybrid event will be held in person in the Library's indoor courtyard and streamed live via the Library's YouTube channel.
Guest speaker Brian Schwieger, Program Manager for Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will join us virtually for this program. We will explore the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock Central High School—a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement—and examine the critical leadership role played by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The presentation will analyze the escalating crisis that tested U.S. federal authority and the rule of law, and discuss how the situation was resolved without the loss of life.
Schwieger brings extensive expertise in interpreting this landmark event in American history. A Nashville, Tennessee native with a background in Social Science and History, Schwieger has served with the National Park Service since 2010.
The themes explored in this program further complement our current "Ike's Work" exhibit, which showcases citizen letters and administration accomplishments that reflect Eisenhower’s engagement with the American people.
The 2026 programming season celebrates America's 250th anniversary and examines President Eisenhower's top accomplishments in the continual pursuit of a more perfect Union. These programs are made possible courtesy of The Eisenhower Foundation.
About the Eisenhower Presidential Library
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of 16 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Presidential Libraries play a vital role in preserving and providing access to historical materials, supporting research, and fostering a deeper understanding of the presidency and the American experience. Through interactive exhibits and public programs, they aim to educate and inspire. The Eisenhower Presidential Library's public programs and exhibits receive generous funding and support from The Eisenhower Foundation.