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| DESCRIPTION: The Harry S. Truman Library & Museum recounts the life of America's 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. One of only 12 U.S. Presidential Libraries, the museum's two permanent exhibits chronicle the Missourian's private life and political career — with exhibits depicting his most difficult decisions like the using the atomic bomb, the Cold War and recognizing Israel. President Truman and his wife, Bess, are buried in the Museum's courtyard. |
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| ADDRESS: 500 W. Highway 24, Independence, Mo. |
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| LOCATION: Approximately 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City. |
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| PHONE: 816-268-8200 |
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| WEB SITE: www.trumanlibrary.org |
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- The museum's historical collection consists of approximately 30,000 objects-including hundreds of Truman family possessions, political memorabilia, diplomatic gifts and 1,300 letters from the Truman courtship and marriage.
- Independence and the Opening of the West — This impressive 495-square-foot mural framing the Museum's entry was painted by another native Missourian-artist Thomas Hart Benton. His mural depicts three decades of Independence's history (1817-1847) and took approximately two and a half years to complete.
- The Presidential Years" — This 10,500-square-foot core exhibition outlines the major events and issues of Truman's presidency.
- "Life & Times" — Added to the permanent exhibit in 2004, this section of chronicles Truman's boyhood, family life and his role as "Mr. Citizen."
- Decision Theatres — These two interactive auditoriums put the audience into the President's shoes to make important Oval Office decisions. Visitors vote how they would respond to Truman-term issues such as 1948 election pressures and Cold War spies.
- Legacy Gallery — This glass-enclosed area houses an eternal flame and a life-size bronze statue of Truman.
- The museum also features an Oval Office replica, an Academy Award-winning introductory film by Charles Guggenheim and a gift shop.
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| HOURS: Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. |
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| ADMISSION: Adults $8, seniors $7, ages 6-15 $3. Children 5 and under are admitted free. |
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| ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: 135,000 visitors. |
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HISTORY: Truman's two-term tenure is considered by many historians as one of the most eventful and most studied periods in American history. Ascending to the presidency following Franklin D. Roosevelt's death in April 1945, Truman grappled with several controversial decisions-including the release of the atomic bomb, the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the implementation of several anti-Communist policies. His administration was also responsible for the establishment of the National Security Council and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Prior to joining Roosevelt's campaign ticket in 1944, Truman served as a Jackson County judge and U.S. Senator. He chose not to seek another term in 1952 and retired to Independence, where he resided until his death on Dec. 26, 1972.
Dedicated in July 1957, the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum was the second to receive national designation but the first to be created under the 1955 Presidential Libraries Act. The museum is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.
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| WHERE TO GET LUNCH: The city's historic Independence Square features local restaurants and quaint shops. |
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| WHAT'S NEARBY: The Truman Home, 219 Delaware, showcases the simple life Truman and his beloved Bess enjoyed in Independence before and after his presidency. The National Park Service offers tours every 15 minutes. Also in Independence, the Truman Depot (111 W. Pacific) served as the final stop for Truman's 1948 Whistlestop Campaign. Now a working Amtrak station, more than 8,500 admirers greeted Truman and Bess there when the pair returned to town following his second term. The city's Truman Walking Trail highlights more than 40 historic sites around the Square and surrounding neighborhoods. |
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| HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES: Several museum activities engage young people with history. Kids can sort the presidential mail, make campaign buttons or dress up with period clothing. |
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| DID YOU KNOW: Truman, the painter? In the top right corner of Independence and the Opening of the West, artist Thomas Hart Benton let President Truman help paint the sky blue. |
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| DON'T FORGET: To stop by Clinton's Soda Fountain, 100 W. Maple, where 14-year-old Harry earned $3 a week at his first job. |
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| GROUP TOURS: Visits to the museum by groups of 15 or more must be arranged in advance. All reservations that request a guided tour must be booked four weeks prior. For more information, call 816-268-8221. |
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DRIVING THERE: From the north: Take I-35 S to I-435 E/S. Exit and travel east on U.S. Highway 24. Watch carefully for the Truman Library sign at the intersection of Noland Road and Hwy. 24.
From the east: Take I-70 W to Noland Road. Exit and travel north about five miles to U.S. Highway 24 E. Watch carefully for the Truman Library sign at the intersection of Noland Road and Hwy. 24.
From the south: Take I-35 N to I-435 E/N. Exit and travel east on U.S. Highway 24. Watch carefully for the Truman Library sign at the intersection of Noland Road and Hwy. 24.
From the west: Take I-70 E through Kansas City to I-435 N. Exit and travel east on U.S. Highway 24. Watch carefully for the Truman Library sign at the intersection of Noland Road and Hwy. 24.
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| PARKING: Parking is free in the building's adjacent lot. |
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| PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Donna Denslow, sales operation & marketing manager, at 816-268-8224 or donna.denslow@nara.gov. |
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