Last updated: April 13, 2022
Thing to Do
Challenge 2: Visit the Truman Library and Museum!
NARA/ Truman Library Institute
Challenge 2: A Visit to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Walk, roll, or bike the one-mile distance from Truman Home to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. President Truman envisioned his beloved presidential library to serve as a repository of his papers, the papers of his administration, and a place of learning for all. After leaving the White House, Truman spent a few years raising funds for the facility, and at its dedication the building was turned over to the stewardship of the National Archives and Records Administration. Today, the Truman Library is still fulfilling the missions that President Truman envisioned.
The National Archives and its partners, including the Truman Library Institute, recently completed a wonderful renovation of the museum experience, setting the standard of excellence. Donations for this project came from citizens across the county and from around the world.
In the museum you will see incredible artifacts and will always learn something new. President Truman, First Lady Bess Wallace Truman, their daughter Margaret Truman Daniel and her husband Clifton Daniel are buried in the courtyard.
In the research room, you can examine the Truman papers, including the legendary "Dear Bess" and "Dear Harry" correspondence. The papers of most of his cabinet and staff are curated there.
For many years President Truman had a working office at his presidential library. Throughout his life, Truman was fueled by a love of reading - leading to 1,100 books on his personal shelves in his working office. When Harry Truman was a young child, his mother gave him a set of books to explore...an 1890's set entitled Great Men and Famous Women. Those books changed his life. If you look carefully through the window at his office, you can still see that set of books!
Start your adventure at the front door of Truman Home, 219 North Delaware (after, we hope, taking a Ranger tour!). Proceed north along Delaware Street (Avenue). As you do so, you will be experiencing the neighborhood that Harry Truman and Bess Wallace Truman called home.
Eventually, you will travel under an underpass...you will see the Truman Library ahead of you. The entrance to the museum is on the east side. Please be mindful of traffic on Delaware Street, Bess Truman Parkway, and upon approaching the Library.
Details
Duration
2 Hours
Please don't shortchange yourself time!
Activity
Museum Exhibits
You can research, learn about Harry S Truman, his family, his presidency, and more. President and Mrs. Truman, and their daughter Margaret Truman Daniel with her husband, Clifton Daniel, are buried here.
Check details on hours of operation and admission rates at Welcome to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum | Harry S. Truman (trumanlibrary.gov)
And you can use the research room, too! There is no requirement that it is reserved only for Truman scholars. Harry Truman intended for the papers to belong to the American people.
Check details on hours of operation and admission rates at Welcome to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum | Harry S. Truman (trumanlibrary.gov)
And you can use the research room, too! There is no requirement that it is reserved only for Truman scholars. Harry Truman intended for the papers to belong to the American people.
Age(s)
All are welcome!
Pets Allowed
Yes
Service animals only, please.
Activity Fee
Yes
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
500 W US Hwy 24
Independence, MO 64050
816-268-8200 | 800-833-1225
Fax: 816-268-8295
Independence, MO 64050
816-268-8200 | 800-833-1225
Fax: 816-268-8295
Reservations
Yes
Accessibility Information
There are wheelchairs, first come first served.
Please inquire about special needs at the reception desk.