ABILENE, Kan. - Linda Kuntz, Clerk at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is receiving the Archivist's Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award will be presented by David Ferriero, Archivist of the United States, during a ceremony on Dec. 8 at the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C. 

Photo caption: On the steps of the Eisenhower Boyhood Home, children from the living history garden project interact with David Ferriero, Archivist of the U.S., as Linda Kuntz, Archivist's Award recipient, enjoys the moment. Ferriero was making an official visit to the Eisenhower Presidential Library in July 2011.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum developed a living history garden using seeds and tools from the early 1900s. Kuntz gladly stepped in as the project coordinator. She worked with state 4-H officials and obtained permission to develop a project that qualifies for national level awards. It is the only 4-H project of its kind in the nation. Kuntz extensively researched and developed the materials for the project, recruited and trained the youth and also developed the research project for the participants.   

During the garden season, the "Eisenhower family" works the garden a few times a week, wearing period clothing and acting in character. The "Eisenhower family" consists of the mother Ida, Ike, his five brothers and a neighborhood friend. A total of twelve children and three mothers participate.

During their time in the garden, the children work the garden, play games and walk around the complex "peddling" produce from the garden. They have a lemonade stand where they sell lemonade and cookies to visitors for 5-cents, which is the price that would have been paid at that time.

"This project has helped make the

Eisenhower family come alive to our visitors," Kuntz said. "As a long-time 4-H leader, my first thought was to involve 4-H youth. This has been both a fun and an educational experience for the participants, as well as for me."

The "Eisenhower family" has participated in various public programs including the Eisenhower family reunion and a visit from the Archivist of the U.S. They also sold cookies and lemonade to spectators at a vintage 'base ball' game.

In addition, the "Eisenhower family" has reached out to the community by developing a public program and doing presentations at group meetings.They attended a presentation on Abilene in the early 1900s given by the local historical society. They developed a float which has been in three local parades, winning second place in the non-commercial division in one parade.