FAQs : Texas Historical Commission

Is Eisenhower Birthplace a Texas State Park and do you accept the State Park Pass or Parklands Passport?
How long did the Eisenhower family live here and how long did Eisenhower himself live here?
When was the house “saved” as a historic site?
Who owns Eisenhower Birthplace now?

Is Eisenhower Birthplace a Texas State Park and do you accept the State Park Pass or Parklands Passport?

How long did the Eisenhower family live here and how long did Eisenhower himself live here?

When was the house “saved” as a historic site?

Q: Is Eisenhower Birthplace a Texas State Park and do you accept the State Park Pass or Parklands Passport? A: No, effective January 1, 2008, Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site was transferred to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and is no longer considered a Texas State Park. The State Park Pass and Parklands Passport are statewide passes for parks operated by TPWD. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is managed by the THC. Find out more about Eisenhower Birthplace's admission fees on the Hours & Admission page.
Q: How long did the Eisenhower family live here and how long did Eisenhower himself live here? A: The Eisenhower family came to the house at different times — Eisenhower’s father came first, followed a few months later by his mother and two older brothers. They lived in the house for approximately three years. Eisenhower lived in the house for just less than 1 ½ years.
Q: When was the house “saved” as a historic site? A: The first public notice came during World War II, and the house was acquired through the efforts of the people of Denison. The house opened to the public in January 1946 and members of the local chapter of the Gold Star Mothers served as hostesses to visitors.
Q: Who owns Eisenhower Birthplace now? A: The state of Texas owns Eisenhower Birthplace. In 2008, the state legislature transferred the site from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). It is no longer affiliated with the state park system. The THC is the state agency for historic preservation.

Q: Is Eisenhower Birthplace a Texas State Park and do you accept the State Park Pass or Parklands Passport?

No, effective January 1, 2008, Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site was transferred to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and is no longer considered a Texas State Park. The State Park Pass and Parklands Passport are statewide passes for parks operated by TPWD. Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site is managed by the THC. Find out more about Eisenhower Birthplace's admission fees on the Hours & Admission page.

Q: How long did the Eisenhower family live here and how long did Eisenhower himself live here?

The Eisenhower family came to the house at different times — Eisenhower’s father came first, followed a few months later by his mother and two older brothers. They lived in the house for approximately three years. Eisenhower lived in the house for just less than 1 ½ years.

Q: When was the house “saved” as a historic site?

The first public notice came during World War II, and the house was acquired through the efforts of the people of Denison. The house opened to the public in January 1946 and members of the local chapter of the Gold Star Mothers served as hostesses to visitors.

Q: Who owns Eisenhower Birthplace now?

The state of Texas owns Eisenhower Birthplace. In 2008, the state legislature transferred the site from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to the Texas Historical Commission (THC). It is no longer affiliated with the state park system. The THC is the state agency for historic preservation.