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.