We lived for many years in the greater Kansas City area. When out-of-town visitors would come we tried to show off some of the cultural aspects of our area. We almost always took people to Independence, Missouri to the home and library of Harry S. Truman. After many years of living away from the area, we were visitors ourselves in the Fall of 2009. Visiting Truman’s home was definitely on the list. It has been designated as a National Historic Site.
As you can see, it’s a rather modest home. It sits on a big corner lot with only a simple iron fence surrounding it. It’s only a few blocks away from the Independence business district.
The home was built by the grandfather of Truman’s wife, Bess Wallace Truman. It was known primarily as the Wallace house. During the years Truman was president (1945 – 1953) this home was the Summer White House.
Harry Truman loved to read. His mother taught him to read before he started school. He continued to read his entire life. He was too poor to afford college, but managed to educate himself.
It’s only fitting that Harry Truman have his own library. This was one of the first presidential libraries we visited. It’s an effective way to learn a portion of history.
Since that time all former presidents of the past century have libraries housing their papers and other items of interest. They are scattered all over the country. Have you had a chance to visit a presidential library?
* The last two pictures were borrowed from the National Park website.
We have lived in Kansas City nearly 20 years and I am ashamed to say we have not taken the time to visit Truman’s home or library. Perhaps we can make the time to do that soon, so when we are “joyfully retired” we can travel around the country and visit other noteworthy landmarks
So that’s not the house Truman grew up in – I guess that home is even more modest. I’ve never visited a Presidential library, I’m sad to say.
I love that screened in porch. That would be my favorite place to sit!
I haven’t visited any presidental libraries or homes which is a shame because Ohio has had many presidents.
I love the porch too. Can picture sitting out there on a summer evening chatting with neighbors who walk by.
I grew up in Springfield, IL so I’ve been to Lincoln’s home many times but have not made it back yet to see the museum and library. We went to the JFK museum and library last year. I was quite moved by the displays, especially the recreation of Bobby’s AG office with the kids’ drawings on the wall. Couldn’t bear the darkened hall with video of JFK’s assassination.
It may be modest but it looks a beautiful house. I haven’t visited any presidential libraries or homes (living where I do!) but I have been to Sir Winston Churchill’s home Chartwell in Sussex, also a beautiful house. If I find our photos I’ll post them as one of my favourite places.
I would love to visit his home. We’re planning a trip to see Mount Vernon and Monticello this summer…I can hardly wait!
I remember goint there as a child I think. I know I did a paper on him and I think we visited the library too.
THis is such a beautiful home, I love it! It seems like we took a trip there. I seem to remember a small placard on his desk that had the quote, “The buck stops here!” Did we take G & G , when they came for a visit from CA? I don’t remember the home, but I think we went to the library.
what a beautiful home. I love visiting places like this. You learn so much don’t you? love your sunday visits
I love that photo with his stack of books! I’ve visited a few presidential homes, but I’ve missed this one.
Thank you so much! I loved seeing it. I read David McCullough’s Truman a while back, and I was riveted. It was really long, but the book just flew. I listened to it on unabridged audio. I’m a big Truman fan.
We loved our visit to the Truman home. It looked a lot like my own grandparents’ house — just a modest home — old fashioned oil cloth and toaster in the kitchen… being an ex-pres wasn’t so lucrative back then, was it? I loved the way the signs on the street corners showed HST’s walking profile (hope that’s still true). One interesting thing — we had to park our big truck blocks and blocks away and we hadn’t realized no cameras or bags were allowed. I didn’t have time to go back to the truck and some other visitor let me store it in his trunk. Have always been glad he was an honest man ;>).