News Releases

News Releases

Truman Library Breaks Ground on $30 Million Transformation | September 5, 2019

Missouri Gov. Parson, Archivist Ferriero and President Truman’s Grandson Launch Construction

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – A groundbreaking today marked the official start of construction on the largest renovation of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum since President Truman opened the facility in 1957. Clifton Truman Daniel, President Truman’s oldest grandson, welcomed Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, State Senator John Rizzo and David Ferriero, the Archivist of the United States to Independence to launch the $30 million transformation of the Truman Library and Museum.

Gov. Parson said: “As Missouri’s only homegrown United States President, Harry Truman’s character and legacy serves as an unwavering inspiration to all Missourians. It is an honor to be a part of this day celebrating a new era in the Truman Library, one of the great historic sites of our state.”

Archivist Ferriero said: “Our Presidential Libraries play an important role in educating visitors about how our Government works, especially the role of the President. The Kansas City area is fortunate to serve as home to one of our nation’s 14 presidential libraries, and we look forward to the next generation learning from Harry Truman’s life and Presidency upon the reopening of the Truman Library next year.”

Daniel said: “My grandfather didn’t want his presidential library to be a monument to him. He imagined it as a place where people could learn about our democracy and the presidency. He teased my grandmother that the library courtyard was their final resting place so he could get up and go to work if he wanted to. He’d like the idea that this renovation will do just that — keep him, his times and his presidency alive for future generations.”

The Truman Library’s transformation includes an 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 Library’s Museum is closed during the renovations and is expected to reopen in the fall of next year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the start of the Truman presidency. The research room at the Truman Library remains open during the museum renovation.

The Truman Library Institute has already raised more than $26 million for the transformation, and has increased its fundraising goal to $30 million for the capital campaign. The generous and enthusiastic community support includes an appropriation from the state of Missouri and lead gifts from Marny and John Sherman, the Sunderland Foundation, the Hall Family Foundation, Kansas City Southern, the William T. Kemper Foundation, the National Archives and Records Administration, and an anonymous donor.

Key participants in the transformation project include:

  • Gallagher & Associates – Museum planning and design
  • Monadnock Media – Exhibit media and interactive programming
  • The Clark Enersen Partnership – Architecture
  • JE Dunn – General contractor

CONTACT:

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