Visiting the Truman Library

There are fifteen Presidential Libraries in the United States and we are fortunate that one is right in our own backyard, and another is nearby. The Harry S. Truman Library & Museum in Independence, Missouri, and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, KS are both great destinations for history buffs.

I grew up in Kansas City and visited the Truman Library many times over the years. Our family was excited to visit the museum again after its renovation and reopening (July 2021) with a new museum entrance and permanent exhibition in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Truman’s ascension to the presidency.

The new exhibits capture the story of Truman and his presidency as visitors read, listen, watch, look and relive (through film and interactive displays) key moments in American history. Cinematic films are shown throughout the museum previewing the various exhibits and setting the stage for the stories they tell.

The first exhibit tells of Harry's early life as he was born in Lamar, Missouri, grew up on the family farm in Grandview, worked at the local pharmacy in Independence, and fell in love with and married his childhood sweetheart, Bess. The Trumans were pen pals for years writing hundreds of letters. The museum has done a remarkable job of displaying these for visitors.

Through film and interactive displays (including displays you may touch to see the difficult decisions Harry faced and, in some cases, compromises made) the visitor is then taken through his years as a judge, early elections, and his election as Vice President. What many may find surprising is that Truman was inaugurated as Vice President in 1945, serving in that role for less than three months when Frankin D. Roosevelt died. The two had only met in person alone two times prior to FDR's death, and we were in the middle of WWII as scientists were secretly developing the atomic bomb. Truman did not know about the bomb when he was inaugurated as President after Roosevelt's death (April 12, 1945) and a mere four months later (Aug. 6, 1945) he had to make the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The exhibits walk visitors through that period's history, the decision process, and the outcomes of that infamous choice.

The history came alive throughout the museum with immersive sound-and-light theaters telling the stories of WWI, WWII, the Cold War and the Korean War. The 14-foot interactive globe explores the hard problems of peace following WWII. Additional exhibits ask visitors to ponder Civil Rights, the Red Scare, and the recognition of Israel as a state.

The election exhibit takes visitors through Harry's famous Whistlestop Tour, his shocking defeat of Dewey (or was it the other way around - check the headlines!), and explores how the election process has changed over the years.

Visitors will be glad to see Thomas Hart Benton's mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the old museum entrance, and they'll find more interactive displays there as well.

The Truman Oval Office replica is one of my favorite parts of the museum. You'll find art and mementos Truman displayed while he served as President... including some mementos no one can explain (preserved ear of corn?).

The exhibit on the Trumans in Washington was especially interesting. We learned why they referred to the White House as "The Great White Jail," many ghost stories, and how the Trumans had to renovate the White House as it was in terrible disrepair and much of it was dangerously uninhabitable.

Downstairs you'll find Truman's cars and photographic memories.

Before leaving, we explored the grounds where you'll find the Truman graves, an Eternal Flame for President Truman, a replica Liberty Bell, and a viewing of Truman's office at the library.

The Truman Library & Museum is a must-see historic attraction in Independence, Missouri. The museum presents an important part of American history to visitors through engaging exhibits that will spark conversation and thought - for families raising future voters and current citizens, a visit to the museum is well worth your time.

Tips For Your Trip:

• Plan to spend at least half a day visiting the museum. You can easily spend an entire day. 
• There are vending machines on-site, but no restaurant.
• You may pack a picnic to eat outside, or leave and visit a nearby restaurant (read below) and return. Tickets are good all day long.
• Consider reading about President Truman before your visit so your children are acquainted with his role in American history.
• Bring notebooks. My daughters took notes throughout the museum. This kept them engaged and they remember more from their visit.
• Be sure to participate in the interactive aspects of the museum. Especially take time to talk and discuss the questions that are asked of visitors throughout the museum. These thought-provoking displays will spark conversation.
• Remember that everyone who played a part in shaping our history is a person - they make mistakes. The Truman Library  & Museum does not shy away from telling both the good and the bad - and the complex. You will encounter questions about Truman's involvement with Tom Pendergast, the Masonic Lodge, Civil Rights, Israel, multiple wars, and of course, the decision to drop the atomic bomb. These things will be good talking points for your family.

Recommended Reading for Kids:

• Harry S. Truman: The Man who Walked with Giants by Melton, David
• The Wit & Wisdom of Harry Truman by Keyes, Ralph
• Harry Truman: From Farmer to President by Etingoff, Kim
• Harry S. Truman: Our Thirty-third President by Gaines, Ann
• Harry S. Truman by Schuman, Michael

The Truman Home

In addition to the Truman Library & Museum, we recommend visiting the Truman Home on your visit to Independence. The Truman Home offers free tours of the house where Bess, Harry, and Margaret lived. The tour takes less than an hour. After your tour, you may walk across the street to the Noland Home (home of his cousins), which is now home to more exhibits on Truman's life in Independence. Note: Visitors must stop by the visitor center first to obtain tickets to tour the Home. Tickets are not issued at the Truman Home itself.

The home at 219 North Delaware Street, Independence, Missouri, was the place Harry Truman called the "center of the world." When the Trumans retired from the presidency in 1953, they returned to this home. NPH Rangers guide visitors on a tour of the first floor of the home to see how they lived.

You may also walk the grounds of the Truman family Farm in Grandview, and learn "where Harry Truman gained his common sense."

The Independence Square:

Nearby, visit the Independence Square, home to many shops, boutiques, restaurants, a movie theater, and a bowling alley.

Be sure to enjoy a delicious phosphate or ice cream treat at Clinton's Soda Fountain located in a building on Independence Square that dates back to the 1800s. Decades ago, young Harry Truman worked his first paying job at a pharmacy and soda fountain at the same location.

My favorite restaurant on the square is Courthouse Exchange. The "underground" restaurant is cozy with stone walls and dim lighting. They serve standard bar and grill fare including a delicious Reuben - the fried pickles are my favorite.

During our visit, we also took a ride aboard Pioneer Trails Adventures. Tour guide Ralph, drives his mule-drawn wagon telling tales of Independence where the three trails began, two Civil War battles were fought and a United States President began his march to the White House. We heard stories about Frank and Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickock, Order No. 11, and more. Ralph's tours are both entertaining and educational - an excellent addition to your Independence Day Trip!

For even more fun in Independence, check out our Going Places Guide!

• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

  One of 15 presidential libraries, visitors are able to experience engaging exhibits and programs, the library aspires to reach a broad and diverse audience in a continuous effort to keep President Truman’s life and legacy alive.

• Truman Home

  The Truman Home offers a glimpse at the personal life of the 33rd President of the United States. Beautiful in its uncluttered commonness, the Truman Home showcases the simple life Truman and his wife Bess.

• Kristina Light

  Pioneer Trails Adventures

  At Pioneer Trails Adventures, we are more than just a ride. Come visit Independence, where three trails began, two Civil War battles were fought and one President began his march to the White House.

• 1827 Log Courthouse

  For more than 40 years, this was the only courthouse between Independence and the Pacific Ocean. Harry S. Truman held court here in the 1930s. The building also served as a Mormon mercantile.

• Clinton's Soda Fountain

  We've always been a favorite of Independence, and we can't thank you enough for visiting our little corner, taking photos and giving us shoutouts.

• Independence Square

  Shop, Dine, Unwind with our unique shops, restaurants, services and tourist attractions on the historic downtown Independence Square.

• Truman Farm Home

  Built in 1894, this was Harry Truman’s childhood residence from 1906 to 1917. This site is only open seasonally with limited hours. Be sure to call ahead.