Truman Library seeks firsthand accounts of encounters with President or Mrs. Truman

 

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is seeking firsthand accounts from local individuals who met Harry or Bess Truman. Highlights from these encounters may be featured in a video to be displayed in the museum’s new exhibit telling the story of Harry and Bess Truman’s lives once they returned to Independence following his presidency.

Individuals who met the Trumans are welcomed to fill out this online form by Sunday, September 22, describing their interaction with the president or first lady. If unable to use the online form, people are also welcome to mail in their responses to the following questions:

• What is your name?
• What is your phone number?
• In 100 words or less, summarize your personal encounter with Harry or Bess Truman in Independence following his presidency.
• How did you feel about the Trumans after this encounter? What kind of people were they?
• Are you able to come to the Truman Library for an interview? If not, please indicate where we could conduct the interview.

Submissions can be mailed to the following address by September 22:

Local Memories of Truman
Truman Library Institute
5151 Troost Ave., Ste. 300
Kansas City, MO 64110

This video project is just one part of a massive transformation of the Truman Library that includes expansion and renovation of the Library’s public spaces. The Library will install a new Truman permanent exhibition, open a new visitor entrance with easier access, and expand its educational and community programming. The new 12,000-square-foot Truman exhibit will feature the latest interactive experiences. Coupled with a comprehensive educational strategy and improved storytelling, the new exhibit will make the Truman Library a hub for exploration and experiential learning that engages a 21st-century audience.

The Museum is closed during the renovations and is expected to reopen in the fall of next year to coincide with the 75^th anniversary of the start of the Truman presidency. The Research Room at the Truman Library remains open during the museum renovation.

CONTACT:

Lacey Helmig, Director of Communications
816.400.1217
Lacey.Helmig@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org