Marilyn Irvin Holt

Author Event: Marilyn Irvin Holt
Mamie Doud Eisenhower: The General's First Lady 
October 25, 2007 

Eisenhower Institute Board Chair, Jeffrey Blavett, introduces author Marilyn Holt.

On October 25, 2007, the Eisenhower Institute welcomed writer and historian Marilyn Holt to its Washington, DC offices for a reception, lecture and book signing of her recently released book Mamie Doud Eisenhower: The General's First Lady. The book paints a realistic and captivating portrait of the former first lady, showing that there was much more to Mamie Eisenhower than a self-described housewife.

Holt's 45-minute presentation offered attendees a vivid picture of Mamie Eisenhower through several stories and humorous anecdotes uncovered from Holt's extensive research. Holt presented the former first lady as the quintessential "Fifties Woman" - a supportive wife and a doting mother and grandmother.

Mamie Doud Eisenhower's popularity not only enhanced her husband's presidency, but also put a distinctive stamp on the role of first lady. In this biography, Holt paints a realistic and captivating portrait of the former first lady, showing that there was much more to Mamie Eisenhower than the "housewife" she described herself as being. Instead, we see a resourceful first lady who ran the executive mansion like an army sergeant, relished charity work and promoted cultural events. As an agent for change, Mamie Eisenhower not only entertained foreign dignitaries, but also invited African Americans to the White House when civil rights tensions were mounting. Although Mamie's reputation has remained in the shadows over the years, Holt shows that there was far more to this first lady than she has been credited with.

Holt is an independent historian who has been a consultant for such PBS documentaries as The American Experience. Her previous books include: The Orphan Trains, Indian Orphanages and Children of the Western Plains.