Eisenhower & Route 66: A Trip Into History with Susan Eisenhower and Leslie Goddard

Barrington's White HouseClassical Music, Community Events, Cultural Events

Join Barrington’s White House as we present two historical presentations: How Ike Led with Susan Eisenhower & Route 66 with Leslie Goddard

Celebrate President’s Day by learning about the principles behind the former U.S. President and General Dwight D. Eisenhower‘s biggest decisions.  Diane Bergan from the Barrington Cultural Commission will interview Ike’s granddaughter, Susan Eisenhower, about her latest book, How Ike Led, on Monday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m.  Stay after the interview for a live Q&A.  A link will be provided post-event which allows ticket purchasers to view the event for up to 30 days.

Few people have made decisions as momentous as Eisenhower—from World War II to the early years of the Cold War. He was a man of character, a principled leader who embraced accountability and worked tirelessly to forge unity of purpose.

“How Ike Led” shows us not just what a great American did, but why—and what we can learn from him today. Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said of the book, “How Ike Led is not only an exceptional work of history; more importantly, it provides the model for all who are or aspire to be our national leaders as we navigate the challenges of the 21st century.”

Susan Eisenhower is the granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and is president and chairman of The Eisenhower Group, Inc. (EGI), a Washington D.C.-based consulting company founded in 1986. For more than thirty years, the company has provided strategic counsel on business development, public affairs and communications projects.

Live Q&A following the presentation. Signed copies of Ms. Eisenhower’s books are available for an additional $29.

If you purchase a signed copy of How Ike Led, it will be available after February 15 at Barrington Village Hall, 200 South Hough Street (4:00 pm closing).  Please plan to show an ID when picking up, which confirms your purchase at the time of ticketing.


Route 66 evokes images of gas stations, mom-and-pop motels, quirky attractions, and adventure on the open road. In this nostalgia-packed lecture, historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the history of Route 66, the iconic road that linked Chicago to Los Angeles from 1926 until its closing in the mid-1980s.  Join us for an afternoon or evening show on February 9 @ 1:00 pm & 7:00 p.m.  A live Q&A will follow the afternoon presentation and a link will be provided post-event which allows ticket purchasers to view the event for up to 30 days.  

Learn why Route 66 remains so indelibly associated with the lore of the American road trip. What was Route 66 like at its pinnacle – and what is it today? Leslie Goddard is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been presenting history programs for more than ten years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in American studies and U.S. history as well as a master’s degree in theater.

A former museum director, she is the author of two books on history and currently works full-time as an author and public speaker. Her programs have been presented for hundreds of museums, libraries, senior centers, clubs, and other organizations around the country.


Barrington’s White House has something for everyone looking for a wonderful afternoon or evening enjoying the arts and culture.  More information and tickets for all events can be found at www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events.