Education Programs Inspired by President Truman to Launch in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Truman Library Institute has relocated to the campus of Rockhurst University as part of a strategic move to expand the Truman footprint in the heart of Kansas City. The Truman Library Institute is the nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and carries out its mission through world-class museum exhibits at the Truman Library in Independence, education programs that more than 43,000 students and teachers participated in last year and public programs and lectures for the community.

The media are invited to an inaugural program at this new site that will feature Rockhurst University President Thomas B. Curran, S.J., Truman Library Institute Board Chair Clyde Wendel and other leadership from both institutions. The Truman Library Institute will host a brief discussion on presidential leadership with a group of students from Rockhurst University, and leadership from both organizations will be available for comment.

Media Event Details:
• August 31 from 11 a.m. to noon
• 5151 Troost Ave., Ste. 300, Kansas City, Mo. 64110
• Opportunity for videos, photos and comments from both Truman Library Institute and Rockhurst University leadership

“This move comes at an exciting time in the Truman Library Institute’s history and provides an extraordinary opportunity to expand our programming in Kansas City,” said Clyde Wendel, board chair of the Truman Library Institute. “The location in the midst of our community’s two urban universities opens the door to entirely new audiences. We look forward to sharing Harry Truman’s legacy and the Institute’s mission with a wider audience. Our new location provides new internship opportunities for both student bodies.”

The Truman Library Institute is located at 5151 Troost Ave., Ste. 300, as part of a retail development below a Rockhurst University parking garage. The 4,800 square-foot space was designed by Gould Evans and constructed by JE Dunn. A highlight of the new space is the Truman Learning Center, a state-of-the-art multipurpose room equipped for hosting events, lectures and educational programs.

“The educational mission of the Truman Library Institute fits nicely with the mission of Rockhurst University, and we anticipate new areas of partnership that will enrich the learning environment for our students, faculty and staff,” said Rockhurst University President Thomas B. Curran, S.J. “We are honored to have the legacy of our hometown president present on our campus.”

The Truman Library Institute’s strong ties to its federal partner the Truman Library will remain, and the two entities will continue to collaborate on public programs, museum exhibitions and education programming at the Truman Library in Independence. The relocation is in alignment with the Truman Library Institute’s strategic plan, including an increased focus on education and enhanced visibility in Kansas City.

“This move brings about a new era for the Truman Library Institute, with exciting opportunities to expand visibility and programming in the Kansas City area,” Wendel said. “We look forward to advancing Harry Truman’s legacy in this beautiful new space and beyond.”

About the Truman Library Institute
The Truman Library Institute is the member-supported, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, one of 14 presidential libraries of the National Archives. The Truman Library Institute draws on President Truman’s legacy to enrich the public understanding of history, the presidency and America’s unique form of government. This mission is achieved through the development and funding of world-class museum exhibits, a robust international research grant program, public forums and nationally acclaimed education programs serving more than 43,000 students and teachers each year. Learn more at TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.

About Rockhurst
Rockhurst University is one of 28 Catholic, Jesuit universities in the United States. It challenges students to become leaders while providing a supportive environment for intellectual and personal growth. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Rockhurst among the top Midwest Regional Universities. Rockhurst has held the community engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching since 2010. Learn more at Rockhurst.edu

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Lacey Helmig
Director of Communications
Truman Library Institute
816-400-1217
lacey.helmig@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org