Haryr's Hometown - Independence, Missouri
There’s never been a better time to discover who this plain spoken world leader really was. Despite his stature as a man who rubbed shoulders with world leaders, President Harry S. Truman always wanted to return to the town where he was raised. “I tried never to forget who I was and where I’d come from, and where I was going back to,” he once said.
True to his word, when Truman retired from the presidency, he and Bess took up permanent residency in the home also known as the Summer White House, just off the historic Square. The simple two story white house was their home from the time of their marriage in 1919 until their deaths.
Visitors to Independence today have the unique opportunity to enjoy a number of Truman historic sites. Sip a chocolate fudge milkshake on the comfy padded barstools at Clinton’s Soda Fountain, 100 W. Maple, site of the teenage Harry's first job. You can also cruise past Harry’s boyhood home at 909 West Waldo and the Truman Depot, 1111 W. Pacific, of the famous l948 “Whistlestop” Presidential campaign. An insightful twelve minute slide show on the family and the home is available at the Truman Home Visitor and Information Center, 223 N. Main, and fascinating tours of the Truman Home, 219 N. Delaware, are offered by National Park Service Rangers. The home remains exactly as it was when Harry died in 1972, even down to the coats, hat and cane belonging to Harry and Bess left hanging behind the door.
At the Historic Jackson County Courthouse, Lexington and Main, visit Harry’s restored office and courtroom, where Harry worked in the 1930s. Here, a twenty-five minute A/V show sheds light on events that shaped his character and influenced his thinking. Those who wish may re-trace Harry’s steps on the Truman Historic Walking Trail, marked with 43 bronze sidewalk plaques scattered throughout peaceful, leafy historic neighborhoods. The trail begins outside of the Truman Ticket and Visitors Center, where free brochures for this self-guided walk are available.
Stop in for a tour at the Truman Memorial Building, 416 W. Maple, to view the newly dedicated Veterans Hall and Veteran's Video program. This facility was built through the efforts of Harry and other civil leaders in 1926 as a tribute to those who lost their lives in WWI.
The crown jewel of Harry’s Haunts is his Presidential Museum & Library, 500 U. S. 24 Hwy, one of only 12 Presidential libraries. The Museum has undergone a 22 million dollar renovation, and exhibits today are highly interactive with advanced audio/visual technology. You can see the famous “Buck Stops Here” sign, hear and see historically important newsreel clips and marvel at a full-size replica of the oval office. The intriguing “decision theaters,” offer visitors a chance to peek into Truman’s mind and determine the critical reasons he made difficult decisions, such as how and why he officially recognized the State of Israel. The gift shop offers unique souvenirs with a presidential flair. Walk outside to pay your respects at the gravesite of Harry and Bess in the courtyard.
Learn about the personal and family background of Truman in “The Life and Times of Harry S. Truman” through ten audio visual components, displays and four interactive activity stations. Children can make campaign buttons, sort mail like Truman did as a postmaster, engage in a computerized “race” to Bess’s home or dress up to look like Harry, Bess and Margaret. Observe the eternal flame which stands in front of his live sized statue.
Other Independence attractions include restored three Civil War homes, the National Frontier Trails Museum, Mormon heritage sites, and quaint antique and specialty shops on the Square. For a complete listing of special events, other sites and attractions , discount coupons, themed itineraries and lodgings information, call (816) 325-7111, toll free (800) 748-7323 or go to www.visitindependence.com.