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Presidents Day Across Missouri and Kansas

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Originally set aside as a day to honor George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, Presidents Day is now a day to remember and honor all U.S. presidents. Celebrate the presidency locally with these outings:

Special Events in February with Presidential Connections:

Jabari Dreams of Freedom Feb. 11 at Midwest Trust Center. Ten-year-old Jabari loves to paint. Through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him and the reality of a friend’s violent encounter with police. In his dreams, he meets children and young people from the Civil Rights Era, including Ruby Bridges and Claudette Colvin, who teach him how to be fearless. He also meets his hero, former U.S. President Barack Obama, as a young boy on the eve of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events

A Toast to General Washington Feb. 25 at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. This adults-only event celebrates General George Washington's birthday.  Enjoy 19th-century tavern games and sample some adult beverages of the time. Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

The Man from Missouri: President Harry S. Truman:

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Musuem

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library: The library reopened in 2021 with newly renovated and fresh exhibits. The new permanent exhibit, "Harry S. Truman: An Ordinary Man, His Extraordinary Journey," tells the story of Truman’s life beginning with his early years as a Midwestern farm boy who never went to college. It then follows his early careers and rise to leadership and examines his enduring character. The exhibit is biographical, inspiring future generations “to understand both the possibilities and the responsibilities of American citizenship.” Throughout the museum, guests experience the Truman era through historical exhibits, tour the Truman working office and visit gravesites. Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 9:00-3:00, and Sundays noon-5:00. Timed entry tickets are required and must be purchased online in advance. TrumanLibrary.gov

Truman Courtroom & Office: The Truman Courthouse has a history that dates back to before Independence's most famous (and only) U.S. president served as the presiding judge of Jackson County. Available for guided tours Monday through Saturday at 11:00 and 2:00. JCHS.org

Truman Home: Tour the home where President and Mrs. Truman lived, see the famous apple green kitchen, simple furnishings and artifacts. NPS.gov/hstr

Kansas Likes Ike: President Dwight D. Eisenhower:

Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum: The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Eisenhower Museum also recently celebrated a renovation and reopening to the public with brand new exhibits. The all-new 25,000 square feet of museum exhibit space includes recent innovations in technological components and interactive exhibits to engage audiences of all ages and learning styles. The site includes a visitor center, Dwight D. Eisenhower's boyhood home, the Place of Meditation and the library and museum, all in a park-like setting. Eisenhower.Archives.gov

Presidential Statues and Artwork across Kansas City:

George Washington Statue: Located in Washington Square Park (Pershing Road & Grand) near Crown Center, the 16-foot-tall, 11,000-pound statue depicts General George Washington astride his horse at Valley Forge during the American Revolution.

Abraham Lincoln and His Son Tad Statue: Located on the south plaza of the Kansas City, MO, City Hall, the 10-foot-tall, 2,500-pound statue shows President Lincoln sitting in a chair holding a book and gazing at his son Tad.

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