Dwight D. Eisenhower funeral photographs

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: RITSpec-0005

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection of 22 photographs documents the funeral procession by train of Dwight D. Eisenhower from Washington D.C. to his hometown of Abilene, Kansas. Images include the hearse, military guards, crowds, and the train.

Dates

Creation: 1969

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Historical Information: Eisenhower's funeral and Eisenhower College

About Dwight D. Eisenhower's funeral

Eisenhower died on March 28, 1969 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center of congestive heart failure. His funeral was marked by an emphasis on his military service during World War II. Flags were lowered to half-staff for one month. Eisenhower's body lay in state in the rotunda of the Capitol, with a service at Washington National Cathedral on March 30. That evening, his body was taken by train to his hometown of Abilene, Kansas.

About Eisenhower College

RIT's affiliation with Dwight D. Eisenhower began with Eisenhower College. This small, liberal arts college was located on Cayuga Lake in Seneca Falls, New York. Founded in 1965, the first classes were held in 1968. The curriculum stressed "world studies" with mandatory courses on history, art, philosophy, music, and literature. The College also collected artifacts, documents, and materials related to Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower.

Although funded by private monies, federal grants, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Eisenhower dollar coins, by 1979 the college was in financial difficulties and was acquired by RIT. Financial problems persisted, and three years later, on July 22, 1982, RIT announced the closing of Eisenhower College. At that time, materials from the Eisenhower College relating to both the college and Dwight D. Eisenhower were transferred to the RIT Archives, including this collection of photographs.

Extent

1.67 Linear Feet (1 Oversize lid box)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

Dwight D. Eisenhower funeral photographs document the procession by train from Washington D.C. to Eisenhower's hometown of Abilene, Kansas in 1969.

Arrangement

Collection consists of 22 photographs.

Physical Location

C.S. South, Shelf 95

Other Finding Aids

In addition to this finding aid, an inventory is available below. For more information, please contact the RIT Archive Collections.

Dwight D Eisenhower funeral photographs

Immediate Source of Acquisition

A portion of the photographs was originally given to Eisenhower College by Norman E. Tanis, Director of University Libraries, California State University at Northridge, in 1976. These materials then came to the RIT Archives in July 1982 when the Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, New York closed. In December 2005, Archivist Becky Simmons made the decision to separate the materials into two groups; those about Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower and those concerning Eisenhower College.

Related Materials

Dwight D. Eisenhower presidential campaign buttons

Dimensions

Photograph sizes vary: 14 x 20 to 20 x 23.5 inches.

Processing Information

Finding aid created by Amy Vilz in September 2011.

These materials originally came to the RIT Archives in July 1982 when the Eisenhower College in Seneca Falls, New York closed. In December 2005, Archivist Becky Simmons made the decision to separate the materials into two groups; those about Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower and those concerning Eisenhower College.