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Susan Eisenhower Brings Grandfather’s Lessons in Leadership to Cape May Audience

Issue #838

October 13, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎖️Susan Eisenhower Brings Grandfather’s Lessons in Leadership to Cape May Audience

🎭A Deadly Secret Behind Convent Walls: ‘Agnes of God’ Comes to Somers Point

🏛️ Free Medicare Workshop Set for Oct. 20 in Cape May as Open Enrollment Begins

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇

 October 13

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Susan Eisenhower Brings Grandfather’s Lessons in Leadership to Cape May Audience

Nearly 300 people gathered at Cape May Convention Hall on Sunday for an exploration of history, leadership and the enduring legacy of one of America's most influential presidents.

Susan Eisenhower, an internationally recognized author, national security expert and granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, delivered the 14th annual Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture, offering a rare combination of historical analysis and personal memories of the man affectionately known as Ike.

Presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture), the program, titled Contemporary Ike: The Art of Strategic Leadership, examined how Eisenhower's ability to unite people, make difficult decisions and maintain optimism helped shape the outcome of World War II and his two terms as the nation's 34th president.

Drawing from her book, How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower's Biggest Decisions, Eisenhower explored her grandfather's remarkable ability to see the larger picture while navigating extraordinary military and political challenges.

As Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Western Europe during World War II, Eisenhower faced the monumental task of coordinating military forces from multiple nations, each with its own leadership structure, strategic priorities and national interests.

His success required bringing together land, sea and air operations on an unprecedented scale while maintaining cooperation among military leaders who did not always agree.

Susan Eisenhower described that ability to build unity among competing interests as one of her grandfather's greatest strengths, a quality that would later define his approach to the presidency.

One of the lecture's most compelling moments came as she described the enormous scale of the D-Day invasion.

The Allied operation involved approximately 156,000 troops landing along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coastline, supported by thousands of aircraft, naval personnel and an extraordinary volume of military supplies.

The invasion represented one of the most complicated military undertakings in history, requiring precise coordination and decisions with consequences for millions of lives.

Despite the tremendous pressure, Eisenhower believed that maintaining confidence and optimism was essential to effective leadership.

A dedicated diarist, he often reserved his private concerns for his personal writings rather than allowing uncertainty to undermine the morale of those serving under his command.

His granddaughter characterized his leadership philosophy as one rooted in humility, personal sacrifice and responsibility rather than prestige or public recognition.

Eisenhower expected military officers to focus on accomplishing their missions instead of advancing their own reputations. He believed genuine leadership came from earning the trust and loyalty of others, not simply exercising authority.

Beyond his military achievements, the lecture explored Eisenhower's effectiveness in navigating the political divisions of Washington.

Although he entered the presidency as a Republican during a period when the party had struggled to regain national political power, he developed an approach that emphasized bipartisan cooperation.

Susan Eisenhower highlighted her grandfather's ability to build support across party lines for a substantial majority of his presidential initiatives, demonstrating how his military experience in coalition-building translated into political leadership.

She also examined his role in advancing racial integration.

During World War II, Eisenhower took steps toward integrating military personnel under his command. As president, he later confronted resistance to school desegregation, most notably in 1957 when he deployed the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, Arkansas.

The federal troops protected nine Black students entering Central High School, helping enforce desegregation despite fierce local opposition.

The decision remains one of the defining civil rights actions of Eisenhower's presidency.

Throughout the presentation, Susan Eisenhower balanced these historic events with personal recollections of growing up around her grandfather at the family's farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Her memories revealed a warmer, more personal side of the celebrated general and president, portraying him as a compassionate, passionate and deeply thoughtful family member.

For audience members, the combination of historical perspective and family insight offered a fresh understanding of Eisenhower's character and accomplishments.

Cape May resident Patricia O'Connor was among those impressed by the presentation. She came away with a greater appreciation for Eisenhower's positions on racial diversity and other issues that remain relevant today, particularly the importance of finding common ground to address national challenges.

Myles Martel, who established the Lessons of History Distinguished Lecture Series in partnership with Cape May MAC in 2012, also praised the presentation.

Having lived through the Eisenhower presidency during his junior high and high school years, Martel found the lecture especially meaningful. He considered Susan Eisenhower's appearance among the strongest programs in the series' history, noting both her knowledge and her approachable personality.

Cape May MAC Director and CEO Jody Alessandrine expressed appreciation for the strong community turnout and the opportunity to host a speaker of Eisenhower's stature.

The annual lecture series has become an important part of Cape May MAC's educational programming, bringing distinguished historians, authors and experts to the community to explore significant events and ideas that continue to shape modern society.

This year's presentation reinforced the series' central mission of connecting lessons from the past with challenges facing the present.

For many in attendance, Susan Eisenhower's message extended beyond a historical examination of her grandfather's accomplishments. It offered a reminder that effective leadership depends on humility, cooperation, courage and the willingness to place a greater purpose above personal ambition.

For more information about Cape May MAC's year-round tours, festivals, lectures and special events, visit capemaymac.org.

 

A Deadly Secret Behind Convent Walls: ‘Agnes of God’ Comes to Somers Point

A mysterious death, a young nun with no memory of giving birth and a battle between faith and science take center stage as Fool Moon Theatre Company presents John Pielmeier’s acclaimed psychological drama, Agnes of God, at studio;space in Somers Point.

The thought-provoking production, which inspired an award-winning 1985 film, combines elements of a murder mystery with an intense examination of religious belief, psychological trauma and the search for truth.

The story unfolds inside a cloistered convent, where a newborn baby is discovered dead. At the center of the investigation is Sister Agnes, a young novice nun who denies any knowledge of the birth and appears unable to remember what happened.

A court-appointed psychiatrist, Dr. Martha Livingstone, is assigned to investigate the disturbing circumstances. As she attempts to uncover the truth, she finds herself at odds with Mother Miriam Ruth, the convent's mother superior, who has deeply held religious convictions challenge the psychiatrist's scientific approach. The resulting confrontation raises difficult questions about innocence, faith, miracles and the limits of human understanding.

Directed by Paul Herron, the production features three familiar performers from previous Fool Moon Theatre productions.

Kate Read takes on the role of Dr. Martha Livingstone. Local theater audiences may recognize her from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and A Bad Year for Tomatoes.

Pattye Herron portrays Mother Miriam Ruth, bringing experience from Fool Moon productions including Lost in Yonkers and Blue Yonder.

Satya Byers plays the troubled young Sister Agnes. Her previous appearances with the company include Pippin and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Director Paul Herron sees the production as an opportunity to challenge both the performers and audiences with a demanding theatrical work. The company has made a point of exploring productions that push beyond conventional community theater offerings, and Agnes of God continues that approach.

With just three characters, the play relies heavily on powerful performances, emotional tension and the complicated relationships among its central figures.

Originally written for the stage, Agnes of God gained wider recognition through its 1985 film adaptation starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly. The movie received three Academy Award nominations.

The story's enduring appeal lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, inviting audiences to consider whether faith and scientific reasoning can coexist when confronted with an extraordinary and tragic event.

Fool Moon Theatre will present Agnes of God at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 23 and 24, with a 2 p.m. matinee Oct. 25. Performances will take place at studio;space, 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, directly across from The Crab Trap.

Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors and $20 for students. Seating is limited.

Advance tickets are available at FoolMoonTheatre.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door using cash, check or Venmo, subject to availability. For group ticket sales, text 609-457-0903.

Following Agnes of God, Fool Moon Theatre will present Love, Loss & What I Wore on Nov. 12 at the Eagle Theatre in Hammonton. That performance will benefit Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing.

The production of Agnes of God is supported by funding from the Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Free Medicare Workshop Set for Oct. 20 in Cape May as Open Enrollment Begins

The City of Cape May will host a free Medicare information seminar Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Cape May Community Center, 110 Ocean St. Local health insurance specialist Alison Hummel will discuss Medicare changes for 2027 and provide guidance for residents reviewing coverage or approaching Medicare eligibility. Seating is limited, and reservations are required by calling 267-964-0431.

Medicare coverage options and associated costs can change from year to year, making it important for beneficiaries to review their plans rather than automatically renewing existing coverage without considering available alternatives. The Cape May presentation offers residents an opportunity to become better informed before making decisions that could affect their healthcare coverage and household budgets in 2027. The event is free and open to interested residents, but advance reservations are required because seating is limited.

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 Answer to the October 12th Trivia Question 

Cape May, New Jersey, is renowned for its historical significance and Victorian architecture. In what year was the entire city designated as a National Historic Landmark, making it the only city in the United States to be wholly designated as such?

A) 1976
B) 1984
C) 1992
D) 2001

Answer: A) 1976

Cape May was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 due to its extensive collection of preserved Victorian architecture, marking it as a unique historical site in the United States.

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