Celebrate Presidents Day in Kansas City
Originally set aside as a day to honor Washington and Lincoln, Presidents Day is now a day to remember and honor all American presidents.
School House to White House: The Education of the Presidents Exhibit thru Feb. 23, 2013, at the National Archives of Kansas City (400 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.268.8000, www.Archives.gov/Kansas-City/Public/Exhibits/)
- Our modern presidents received educations and participated in school activities in ways as diverse as their backgrounds and their political philosophies. Some of the presidents attended neighborhood public schools, and some of them learned in rural classrooms. Others studied under tutors and attended prestigious private schools. The challenges of studying various subjects, completing homework, forming new ideas, participating in extracurricular activities, and making friends are part of the common heritage of an American education shared by everyone—including our presidents. This is the premise of the exhibit, called “School House to White House: The Education of the Presidents,” opening at the National Archives in Kansas City. It charts the educational experiences of U.S. presidents from Herbert Hoover to William J. Clinton.
The Man from Missouri: President Harry S. Truman
Visit these sites to learn more about President Harry S. Truman:
- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum (500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO, 816.268.8200, www.TrumanLibrary.org) The presidential library depicts the history of the Truman administration. A restored Oval Office, Truman automobiles and hands-on exhibits fascinate visitors of all ages. Permanent museum attractions include “Harry S. Truman: The Presidential Years,” an exhibit featuring two decision theaters, audio and video programs and artifacts to engage visitors in the issues and events surrounding the Truman presidency.
- Truman Courtroom & Office (Jackson County Courthouse, Main & Maple, Rm. 109, Independence, MO, 816.252.7454) Currently closed. After undergoing a major, multimillion-dollar renovation, the historic Truman Courthouse will re-open in July!
- Truman Farm Home (12301 Blue Ridge Blvd., Grandview, MO, 816.254.9929, www.NPS.gov/hstr/index.htm) The home is only open to the public on weekends through the summer, however you may take a cell phone tour of the grounds year-round. Built in 1894, this was Harry Truman’s childhood residence from 1906 to 1917.
- Truman Home (219 N. Delaware, Independence, MO, 816.254.9929, www.NPS.gov/hstr/index.htm) Tour the home where President and Mrs. Truman lived, see the famous apple green kitchen, simple furnishings and artifacts.
Kansas Likes Ike: President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Visit these sites to learn more about President Dwight D. Eisenhower:
- Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum (200 SE 4th St., Abilene, KS, 785.263.4751, www.Eisenhower.Archives.gov) The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Eisenhower Museum includes a visitor center, Dwight D. Eisenhower's boyhood home, the Place of Meditation and the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, in a park-like setting.