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Abilene, Kan. - The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum will host a monumental exhibition, "Opening the Vault at the Presidential Libraries," celebrating America's Semiquincentennial. Opening Tuesday, June 2, and running through Sunday, July 5, in the museum's special gallery, this limited-time engagement brings national history directly to Kansas. Admission to the exhibition is included with standard museum entry.
Coinciding with the opening weekend of the “Opening the Vault” exhibit is the Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert on June 6, marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. In addition to the D-Day concert activities, the museum is offering complimentary admission and extended hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the final year of the concert series since its inception in 2012.
“By honoring our veterans through this special D-Day commemoration event, we also offer the community a day of free admission, giving them a rare chance to interact with these important historical records,” said Dawn Hammatt, Acting Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library.
"Opening the Vault" features original, history-making documents, directly curated from the secure vaults of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). These iconic records, rarely displayed outside of Washington, DC, offer visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the documents that have profoundly shaped our nation, including:
- Louisiana Purchase
- Kansas-Nebraska Act
- Treaty of Paris
- Brown v. Board of Education
- Korean War Armistice Agreement
The 2026 programming season is dedicated to celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Join us throughout the year as we examine President Eisenhower's top accomplishments in the continual pursuit of a more perfect Union. These programs are all 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.