
April 16, 2022
HARRY S. TRUMAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050
“The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and resting place of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, his wife Bess and daughter Margaret, and is located on U.S. Highway 24 in Independence, Missouri.” - Wikipedia
I enjoy going to museums dedicated to our Presidents because I learn so much about the men, their families, and what they faced before, during, and after they served as our highest elected leader.
The Truman Museum, whose development and construction were supervised by Truman himself, does an exemplar job of telling the story of our 33rd President. Most of the museum is dedicated to his time as President, with a small area dealing with his boyhood and rise to political power, and another area describing his life post-presidency. The museum employs many exhibits along with sporadic videos to get the story out.
There was much I didn’t realize (or had forgotten) about Truman. For example, he authorized the use of the Atom Bomb to end WWII just four months after taking office, in spite of the fact he had no idea of the Manhattan Project before taking office. The Korean Conflict happened on his watch, and he officially recognized Israel as a sovereign state. He integrated the armed services and federal employees, thus being credited with starting the Civil Rights discussions in government.
As Truman was instrumental in the building of the museum, I was not surprised that the ambiance throughout was dark and “heavy,” just the way Truman must have felt while in office. But, it also does a wonderful job of telling his story.
Harry and Bess, along with daughter, Margaret, are all buried in the courtyard of the museum.
Truman wanted to attend one of the military academies, but was denied entrance because of poor eyesight. When WWII started he memorized the eye chart so that he wouldn't fail the eye exam when enlisting in the army.
In the Army Truman rose the rank of Captain, and was the commander of Battery D, 129th Field Artillery, 35th Division.
There were several quotes around the museum attributed to Truman.
A display about Margaret, Truman's daughter.
The Bible used when he was sworn in as President after the sudden death of FDR.
The card Truman used to take the Oath of Office.
This hallway focused on the first four months of Truman's time in office, which includes the end of WWII.
The famous newspaper incorrectly announcing Truman losing his re-election.
"Independence and the Opening of the West" by Thomas Hart Benton.
The Truman Oval Office simulation.
Truman was the first president to speak on television, and was the first one to put a television in the Oval Office.
The two cars Truman bought after being elected to the U.S. Senate. He used one and Bess used the other.
Truman's office at the Truman Library.
The gravesites of Harry and Bess Truman.