Truman Presidential Library & Museum
What do you know about our 33rd president, Harry S. Truman? Unless you are a history buff, you may not much about our Presidents. Even our students in school don’t learn as much about our presidents as we should. Visiting a presidential library and museum is a great way to not only learn about the president’s time in office but also to learn some of the person behind the presidential office. Here are some things to know before you plan your visit to the Harry S Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, Missouri.
Museum Temporarily Closing for Renovation After July 22. The Truman Library will be closed beginning July 23 for renovations. The Research Room will still be open to the public throughout the approximately one-year project.
This post includes affiliate links. Thank you to the Truman Institute for hosting our family on our recent tour of the Library & Museum. All opinions are my own.
Harry S Truman Presidential Library & Museum
The Truman Library & Museum is located in Independence, just outside Kansas City. If you have never visited a presidential library, you may not know what to expect. After all, a library would seem to imply that you would see rows of books like a traditional library. But a Presidential Library and Museum is much more than stacks of books. A Presidential Library offers a chance to get a glimpse at the person behind the office.
The Truman Library is one of fourteen Presidential Libraries operated by the Federal government. Presidential Libraries are an archive of facts, photographs and memorabilia that showcase a person’s life. You get the opportunity to learn about the president’s early years, his family life and his hobbies.
Harry Truman was 60 years old when he became President of the United States. His life up to that point consisted of a wide variety of experiences, including great successes and failures, which influenced him in subtle, but often profound, ways. He had known farm life, war, owning a business, and business failure. This made him sensitive to the daily struggles of ordinary Americans, who shared many of the same life stories. Truman had also spent nearly a quarter century in politics. This, too, shaped his behavior as President.
Truman.gov
You can see a timeline of his time in office and get a sense of the events that were happening during his term. A visit to a Presidential Library & Museum helps piece together the history of the United States in an interactive way.
One event that occurred during President Truman’s presidency was the decision to use atomic weapons against Japan. Many people have strong feelings about this, so the museum addresses that in a full exhibit. There is even a book where you can express your own thoughts on this event. People from every walk of life have the opportunity to share their opinions.
Harry S Truman served the American people from 1945-1953 as president but his life was full of other service
The Buck Stops Here
The sign “The Buck Stops Here” was made and mailed to the President on October 2, 1945. On more than one occasion President Truman referred to the desk sign in public statements. The original sign has been at the Library since 1957. But you can also design your own sign to bring home and display!
Truman Memorial Site
Take the time to walk through the Museum and out to President Truman’s Gravesite. Then keep going to view his office.
Things to Know:
- There is ample free parking area right outside the museum.
- Restrooms are available inside the museum.
- The museum is closing starting July 22, 2019 for renovations.
- You are allowed to take pictures but no flash please.
Connect with the Truman Library & Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
500 W US Hwy 24
Independence, MO 64050
Have you ever visited a presidential library? Did you know there are 14 Presidential Libraries and Museums in the United States. Click here for a printable list of the locations so you can plan to visit one on your next road trip.
