Historic Seelye Mansion

04/26/2026

04/23/2026

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Guests are invited to experience an elegant afternoon at the historic Seelye Mansion during a special high tea.

https://www.ksal.com/tea-time-at-historic-seelye-mansion/

04/22/2026

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Guests are invited to experience an elegant afternoon at the historic Seelye Mansion during a special high tea on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

This unique event honors Jennie Taylor Seelye, the matriarch of the home and a celebrated hostess in Abilene’s social circles. Attendees will enjoy a traditional high tea service featuring finger sandwiches and desserts from the Seelye family and Kirby House recipes, thoughtfully recreated by Amanda Collins of Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro. A variety of teas will be served.

Adding to the experience, Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, will serve as a special guest. Eisenhower, who also serves as a board member of the Historic Seelye Foundation, will share a brief presentation and display two historic tea sets: one gifted to Mamie Eisenhower by Queen Elizabeth II, and another presented to her mother, Barbara Eisenhower, by Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Republic of China.

Reflecting on the occasion, Eisenhower shared, “My grandmother and Jennie Seelye shared a love of bringing people together. They understood that hospitality creates connection, and I’m honored to celebrate that same spirit here at the Seelye Mansion.”

Seating is limited to 48 guests, creating an intimate and memorable experience inside one of Kansas’ most treasured historic homes. Tickets are $40 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 785-263-1084.

04/22/2026

Thanks for sharing about our event!

" /> Abilene CVBABILENE, Kan. — Guests are invited to experience

04/22/2026

*SOLD OUT* - Thank you for your support!

Historic Seelye Mansion Tea Set for May 30

Guests are invited to experience an elegant afternoon at the historic Seelye Mansion during a special high tea on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

This unique event honors Jennie Taylor Seelye, the matriarch of the home and a celebrated hostess in Abilene’s social circles. Attendees will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea service featuring finger sandwiches and desserts from the Seelye family and Kirby House recipes, thoughtfully recreated by Amanda Collins of Amanda's Bakery & Bistro. A variety of teas will be served.

Adding to the experience, Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, will serve as a special guest. Eisenhower, who also serves as a board member of the Historic Seelye Foundation, will share a brief presentation and display two historic tea sets: one gifted to Mamie Eisenhower by Queen Elizabeth II, and another presented to her mother, Barbara Eisenhower, by Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Republic of China.

Reflecting on the occasion, Eisenhower shared, “My grandmother and Jennie Seelye shared a love of bringing people together. They understood that hospitality creates connection, and I’m honored to celebrate that same spirit here at the Seelye Mansion.”

Seating is limited to 48 guests, creating an intimate and memorable experience inside one of Kansas’ most treasured historic homes. Tickets are $40 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 785-263-1084.

03/18/2026

Thanks to KABI the General for sharing about our upcoming event! 🎨

The Arts Council of Dickinson County and the Historic Seelye Mansion invite the public to enjoy an afternoon of creativity during Painting on the Patio, a plein air painting experience set in the beautiful gardens of the Seelye Mansion.
The event will take place Saturday, April 25, beginning with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists and instructors at 3:30 p.m. Painting instruction will begin at 4:00 p.m., where participants will be guided step by step in creating a landscape inspired by the Seelye Mansion’s scenic patio and pond. The setting features the charming footbridge, waterfall, willow tree, and other garden details that make the mansion grounds a favorite Abilene landmark.
Plein air painting, from the French term meaning “open air,” is the practice of painting outdoors on site to capture natural light, atmosphere, and color.
Reservations are required by April 18. The cost is $40 per person, which includes light refreshments and all painting supplies.
To reserve a spot, contact the Seelye Mansion at 785-263-1084.

Photo courtesy Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.

01/16/2026

Thanks for sharing! Don’t wait to get your tickets to this special event as tickets will sell out. ❤️

You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion this year.

https://www.ksal.com/valentines-dinner-at-the-historic-seelye-mansion/

01/15/2026

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Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion
Abilene, Kan. — Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion, offered on Friday, February 13, or Saturday, February 14. This special experience invites couples to enjoy a memorable evening inside Abilene’s most treasured historic home.
The evening begins at 6:00 pm with a champagne toast in the grand ballroom, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30 pm. The menu, catered by Lucinda Kohman, features baby spinach and strawberry salad, Parmesan chicken, stuffed flank steak, roasted baby potatoes, green beans almondine, a dinner roll, and chocolate sweetheart cake. Tables will be beautifully set with the mansion’s Haviland china.
Each table will include a long-stemmed rose and chocolate favors for guests to enjoy and take home. Seating is limited to 60 guests ach evening, creating an intimate and welcoming dining experience. Proceeds from the event will support the continued preservation of the Historic Seelye Mansion.
Mary Jean Eisenhower, board member of the Historic Seelye Foundation, shared the significance of the evening. “The Seelye Mansion holds a special place in Abilene’s story, and this Valentine’s dinner is a wonderful way to experience its elegance while helping ensure its future for generations to come,” said Eisenhower. She also noted that her grandparents, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1916, adding another heartfelt connection to the celebration.
Tickets are $80 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 785-263-1084. Guests are encouraged to reserve early and enjoy a Valentine’s Day celebration that supports one of Abilene’s cherished landmarks.

01/15/2026

Thanks to the Junction City Post for sharing about our upcoming event!

Photo courtesy Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau." /> Photo courtesy Abilene Conven

01/14/2026

🩷Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion 🩷

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion, offered on Friday, February 13, or Saturday, February 14. This special experience invites couples to enjoy a memorable evening inside Abilene’s most treasured historic home.
The evening begins at 6:00 pm with a champagne toast in the grand ballroom, followed by a plated dinner at 6:30 pm. The menu, catered by Lucinda Kohman, features baby spinach and strawberry salad, Parmesan chicken, stuffed flank steak, roasted baby potatoes, green beans almondine, a dinner roll, and chocolate sweetheart cake. Tables will be beautifully set with the mansion’s Haviland china.

Each table will include a long-stemmed rose and chocolate favors for guests to enjoy and take home. Seating is limited to 60 guests ach evening, creating an intimate and welcoming dining experience. Proceeds from the event will support the continued preservation of the Historic Seelye Mansion.

Mary Jean Eisenhower, board member of the Historic Seelye Foundation, shared the significance of the evening. “The Seelye Mansion holds a special place in Abilene’s story, and this Valentine’s dinner is a wonderful way to experience its elegance while helping ensure its future for generations to come,” said Eisenhower. She also noted that her grandparents, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mamie Eisenhower, were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1916, adding another heartfelt connection to the celebration.

Tickets are $80 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 785-263-1084. Guests are encouraged to reserve early and enjoy a Valentine’s Day celebration that supports one of Abilene’s cherished landmarks.