What should President Eisenhower do when an American spy is captured in the Soviet Union just weeks before a potential peace summit with Premier Nikita Khrushchev? Should the CIA and White House cover for their spy or come clean about their espionage efforts? Can the peace summit move forward as planned? Students will use primary sources to act as presidential advisors, giving Eisenhower advice at key points in the timeline of the U2 spy plane incident and examining the consequences of Eisenhower's choices.
Program Length:
80
Program Group:
Presidency
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, members of the Communist Party, were convicted of passing secrets to the Soviet Union in 1945 and sentenced to death. Controversy surrounded the case, as many claimed the decision was the result of Cold War hysteria, not facts. In this program, students examine primary documents from persons both inside and outside of the intelligence community, as well as stepping into President Eisenhower’s position to decide whether to grant executive clemency to the Rosenbergs.
Program Length:
80
Program Group:
Presidency
Shortly after taking office, President Eisenhower needed to decide how the U.S. should confront Soviet Communist expansionism. In this program, students recreate Eisenhower’s Project Solarium to analyze primary sources, discuss and debate the merits of three options, andadvise the president of their recommendations.
Program Length:
80
Program Group:
Presidency
The Soviet Union successfully detonated an atomic weapon in 1949, ushering in an era of Cold War nuclear brinksmanship that cast a shadow on America’s sense of security. How can the President of the United States help promote a sense of calm and preparedness when faced with possible catastrophe?
The Soviet detonation of an atomic bomb in 1949 shook the foundations of American security, raising fears of nuclear war. In this program, students are introduced to the historical context of the Cold War and President Eisenhower’s leadership in navigating these turbulent times. Through the examination of primary sources, students learn how Eisenhower promoted a sense of calm and preparedness in the face of potential catastrophe, from civil defense initiatives to diplomatic strategies. This immersive experience provides insight into the challenges of Cold War-era leadership and the ways in which effective communication and planning helped mitigate the public's fear of nuclear conflict.
Program Length:
50
Program Group:
Presidency
The Soviet launch of the Sputnik satellite marked the start of the space race. Students examine primary sources and race to generate a timeline of key events and test engineering skills as they create and launch a straw rocket.
The Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik satellite in 1957 sparked the space race, a competitive and groundbreaking period in human history. In this interactive program, students dive into the history of this technological competition by analyzing primary sources related to the space race’s key events. As they race to piece together an accurate timeline of major milestones, students also get hands-on with a STEM challenge. They design, create, and launch their own straw rockets, applying engineering principles and problem-solving skills. This program immerses students in both the history and the science behind one of the most exciting periods in the U.S.-Soviet rivalry.
Program Length:
80
Program Group:
STEM
As president, Eisenhower passed The Federal-Aid Highway Act, the largest infrastructure project in US history. Students will analyze primary sources and use their engineering skills to design and test their own bridge.
As president, Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law the Federal-Aid Highway Act, which became the largest infrastructure project in U.S. history and revolutionized transportation across the country. In this engaging program, students examine primary sources related to this landmark legislation and its impacts on the nation’s development. They will also step into the role of engineers, tasked with designing and testing their own bridges, applying problem-solving skills and creativity to build structures that are both innovative and functional. Through this hands-on activity, students gain an understanding of how infrastructure projects like the Interstate Highway System shape a nation’s future and connect its people.
Program Length:
80
Program Group:
STEM
During WWII, post offices were flooded with mail and its bulk was competing with the space needed for necessary military supplies. Students will learn how American ingenuity solved this problem through the invention of V-Mail.
During World War II, post offices were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of mail being sent to and from soldiers. The bulk of these letters was competing for valuable space needed to transport critical military supplies. This program teaches students how American creativity led to the invention of V-Mail (Victory Mail), a system that reduced the size of letters by transferring them to microfilm and then printing them back into readable format upon arrival. Students will learn how this innovation not only saved space but also ensured that soldiers could stay connected with their families despite the logistical challenges of wartime communication.
Program Length:
50
Program Group:
STEM
Playing off the Flat Stanley movement, students will learn about the Great Seal of the United States, the Ike Jacket, map reading, and the features of the campus while creating photo souvenirs of their visit with their own Flat Ike.
Inspired by the popular Flat Stanley movement, this engaging program introduces students to several historical and geographical concepts related to Dwight D. Eisenhower and his legacy. Participants will learn about the symbolism of the Great Seal of the United States, the significance of Eisenhower’s iconic Ike Jacket, and the basics of map reading. As they tour the Eisenhower Presidential campus, students will create their own Flat Ike figure and take photos in various locations, resulting in a personalized souvenir that connects them to the history they’ve explored during their visit.
Program Length:
50
Program Group:
STEM
