Civil Defense All Purpose Survival Crackers

An early version of the survival cracker project was launched in 1955 by President Eisenhower’s Federal Civil Defense Administration. Named “Grandma’s Pantry,” under the justification that Grandma was always prepared for unexpected company, the program called for each household to have a ready supply of food and water in case of attack. In response, the Eisenhower administration looked to develop a food that was nutritious, cheap, easy to eat, shelf-stable, and reproducible on a mass scale.

Emergency Drinking Water

Under the threat of nuclear war, Americans were encouraged to build fall out shelters and stockpile supplies to survive underground. This can reads: 'Property of US Govt.; Contents 10-10 1/2 oz; Emergency Drinking Water; Contract No NY 73669-62; Spec No MIL-15117B; H&M Packing Corporation; Glendale California.' It measures approximately 4.875 inches high and has a diameter of 2.688 inches.

Chance for Peace

Shortly after the death of Joseph Stalin, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered this powerful speech before the American Society for Newspaper Editors. Commonly known as the "Cross of Iron" speech, it remains one of his most significant addresses on international relations and the pursuit of global peace.

Eisenhower's First Inaugural Address

Eisenhower challenges citizens to help lead the world towards a future of freedom by making peace a way of life. He stresses the interdependence of the world, especially in economics, through nine principles he introduces to shape U.S. world leadership. The audio recording begins with Richard Nixon taking the vice presidential oath of office followed by te singing of 'America the Beautiful' and a prayer. President Eisenhower begins his speech at 9:45 on the recording.

Meeting a Real Rosie: Connie Palacioz

During World War II, more than six million women entered the workforce as men went off to fight. They took on a variety of roles, including typists, farm workers, taxi and bus drivers, as well as factory and shipyard workers. Many found themselves on assembly lines producing munitions and other war supplies. To encourage women to step into these roles, propaganda campaigns urged them to "Do the job he left behind." This gave rise to the iconic figure of Rosie the Riveter—a symbol of the hardworking women who supported the war effort.

Atoms for Peace

President Dwight D. Eisenhower was determined to solve 'the fearful atomic dilemma' by finding some way by which 'the miraculous inventiveness of man' would not be dedicated to his death, but consecrated to his life. In his Atoms for Peace speech before the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 1953, President Eisenhower sought to solve this terrible problem by suggesting a means to transform the atom from a scourge into a benefit for mankind.

Ike Championed the Modern Civil Rights Era

In May, the nation marked the 66th anniversary of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court decision, which declared segregated schools unconstitutional. However, desegregation did not happen overnight. Three years later, in September 1957, nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, enrolled at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, setting off a historic confrontation between federal authority and state resistance.

Eisenhower Doctrine speech

In a special message to Congress, Eisenhower proclaims the sovereignty of the Middle Eastern nations and that the United States will ensure that force will not be used for any aggressive purpose in the world. The President seeks congressional authorization to employ the military in the Middle East to uphold this new policy.

Subscribe to