3 reviews for Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
I was able to make the trip over to Independence this past weekend to take the official tour of the Truman Library and museum. I heard so much praise about it and was excited to finally see it with my own eyes.
I must say I was very impressed by the details and design of the memorial/tribute to one of the best presidents (in my opinion). Along with the standard information about the presidency of Truman they also have several exhibits dedicated to his life before and after the presidency. Apparently his love letters to Bess were some of the best and most complete set that have been published in American History. Currently they have a "life in Photographs" exhibit running until mid October this year.
It was great to walk back in time and be reminded of what life was like and to see how much we have or have not changed. I can't help but think how applicable Truman's "Fair Deal" ideals are especially today - he was truly an innovative and forward thinking man.
This is a beautiful museum with really interesting exhibits. Parking is easy and there aren't crazy lines. His grave site is here along with a replica of his white house office. Leave yourself a good 2 hours to see everything. Tickets are inexpensive.
I read that Truman himself used to give tours and train the staff during the days. It's pretty cool that they built this museum not too far from where he lived.
Lots of movies about the time period or other archival footage. If you compare this to more contemporary presidents, you'll be sorely disappointed. They have far more $$$ these days to build them. Heck, I don't think Harry had a pension, insurance, or secret service protection after he left office. I think he was given something by Congress a few years later. It was a whole different era.
For you history buffs, this is a must! You'll learn a lot of history about the KC area and indepedence as well. Some of Harry's old stomping grounds are still around like his first job and his house (which was his wife's parents). The character of the neighborhood appears to have drastically changed from his day.
Having lived in Harry's hometown for the first eight years of my life, I was dragged to this museum more than once. But this week, it was me doing the dragging. While its educational aspects remain quasi-engaging for kids, the permanent exhibits definitely held my adult interest. The buck really does stop here, as I declare this tangible legacy to kick historical ass at a mere $7 per person. Self-indulgent side-note: Harry religiously took his nightly constitutional around Independence Square right up to his death, and my Grandfather swore that we encountered him once on the street during one of said strolls and that he shook my hand. Since Truman died when I was only two, I have no memory of this alleged encounter and assume I was more interested in loading my diaper than meeting the 33rd President of the United States.