About the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, Missouri, is the nation's repository for the records, papers, and personal belongings of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. Established in 1957, it was the first presidential library created under the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955 and is administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Truman himself was deeply involved in its founding and kept an office there in his retirement years, often greeting visitors and meeting with students.
The library preserves the documentary record of one of the most consequential presidencies of the twentieth century. Truman led the United States through the final months of World War II, the dawn of the atomic age, the beginning of the Cold War, the founding of the United Nations and NATO, the Marshall Plan, and the Korean War. The museum's exhibits use these collections to interpret the difficult decisions Truman faced, inviting visitors to consider the weight of those choices for themselves.
Collections and Exhibits
As both an archive and a public museum, the institution serves researchers, students, and general visitors alike. Highlights connected to Truman's life and presidency include:
- Permanent exhibits on the Truman presidency, covering World War II decision-making, the origins of the Cold War, and the postwar reshaping of American foreign policy.
- A recreation of the Oval Office as it appeared during Truman's administration.
- Galleries exploring Truman's Missouri roots and his rise from a Jackson County farm and small-business background to national leadership.
- The graves of President Truman and First Lady Bess Truman, located in the library's courtyard.
- Extensive archival holdings of presidential papers and documents available to researchers.
Planning Your Visit
The library and museum are located in Independence, Missouri, near the Truman family home that is preserved as a separate National Historic Site. For current hours, admission fees, research-room appointments, and information on temporary exhibitions and public programs, please visit the museum's official website at trumanlibrary.gov before planning your trip.
Explore Missouri's Historical Landscape
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses, landmarks, and buildings throughout Missouri. See how your community has transformed over the decades.
Explore When It Was →