Please join us—in person or online—to honor and celebrate the military service of Americans who were guaranteed the Freedom to Serve.

75 years ago, on May 22, President Truman’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Forces issued its report implementing Truman’s order to abolish segregation in the military. Appropriately titled Freedom to Serve, the report was a standard and a roadmap that guided progress for three-quarters of a century—and secured equal opportunity for all Americans to serve. The conclusion: that far from undermining military readiness, “a policy of equality of treatment and opportunity will make for a better Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is right and just. It will strengthen the nation.”

The Truman Library Institute will recognize this pivotal moment in U.S. history with a panel discussion featuring American veterans. The untold stories of these patriots and heroes will play the starring role in an important and timely national conversation. Special guests include Brigadier General Donald Scott, U.S. Army; Chief JoAnne Bass, U.S. Air Force; Colonel Edna Cummings, U.S. Army; and Colonel Eries L.G. Mentzer, U.S. Air Force. This 75th anniversary event will be moderated by The Washington Post‘s David Von Drehle.

Learn more about this very special Truman Legacy Event.

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MAKE YOUR MARK: LESSONS IN CHARACTER FROM SEVEN PRESIDENTS

The award-wining author of Second Acts and The Last Republicans draws on interviews and conversations with seven presidents to identify the essence of character, leadership and legacy that has defined each of them and the modern American presidency.

Throughout his career as an author, journalist, television commentator, and head of a presidential library and foundation, Mark Updegrove has had the privilege of getting to know seven U.S. Presidents, from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama. In Make Your Mark, he offers incisive, compelling sketches of these modern presidents and the character trait that made each suited to his moment in the Oval Office and underlies his most significant accomplishments.

• Gerald Ford’s instinct to do the right thing in the wake of Watergate;
• Jimmy Carter’s mission to do good in the areas of peace and human rights during his presidency and throughout his post-presidency;
• Ronald Reagan’s optimism, restoring the nation’s confidence and pride after a sustained period of demoralizing national setbacks;
• George H.W. Bush’s humility, helping to ensure a peaceful end to the Cold War that had seethed between the superpowers for over forty years;
• Bill Clinton’s resilience and determination to keep working for the good of the American people in the face of political and personal obstacles;
• George W. Bush’s charge to give back as the deadly AIDS epidemic spread unchecked throughout much of the developing world;
• and Barack Obama’s grace as the first African American to hold the country’s highest office. 

With Make Your Mark, Mark Updegrove reveals that there is no one-size-fits-all model for leadership. We all have our own set of strengths and weaknesses. But drawing on these presidential examples, we can ask ourselves how our character reflects our leadership, and be inspired to find the very best in who we are to make own unique marks as leaders.

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Join or renew to receive your Members-only invitation: JOIN / RENEW

Jazz KC Portraits showcases stunning photographs by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Dan White of iconic jazz musicians who have shaped the rich cultural tapestry of Kansas City. Through these images, visitors will embark on a visual and aural journey, exploring the rhythm, soul, and passion that define the essence of Kansas City jazz.

The exhibition will feature a curated collection of 50 beautifully framed photographic portraits made during two decades (1987-2006), as well as new photographs of up-and-coming artists, created specifically for this exhibition. Additionally, there are nine banners (24×36 inches) presenting anecdotes taken from interviews of several of the artists. Each image will offer a glimpse into the lives and artistry of the musicians who have made, and are making, significant contributions to the genre.

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The public is welcome to an opening reception with Dan White on Wednesday, May 28. Learn more about the reception, hosted by the Truman Library, here.

A NATIONAL TRADITION

To commemorate Harry S. Truman’s 141st birthday on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum will host the annual Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the President’s Tomb. This event continues the long-standing tradition of the United States presidency, where the incumbent commander-in-chief sends a tribute wreath on the birthday of each deceased President. The wreath is presented by a military officer and placed at the President’s tomb.

9 a.m. | President’s Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Celebrate Harry S. Truman’s 141st birthday with a Presidential Wreath-Laying Ceremony. Held at the gravesite of President Truman and Mrs. Bess Wallace Truman, this Military ceremony includes a Color Guard, Prayer, remarks about President Truman’s life and service, the playing of TAPS, and laying an official wreath from The White House.

10 a.m. | American Legion
Following the President’s wreath-laying, representatives from American Legion posts from multiple states will lay their wreaths in a patriotic ceremony with live music by band members.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Museum Admission
Museum admission is waived from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate President Truman’s Birthday!

VIP MEMBER RECEPTION

Truman Library Institute members are invited to attend this special day as VIPs, with a priority viewing area for the ceremony and a private reception following the event. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m.; members are asked to arrive at the East Entrance (Museum lobby) at 8:30 a.m.

Reservations are required for Member access: MEMBER RSVP

Join or renew for this VIP experience: JOIN / RENEW

This Memorial Day, at 3 p.m., the Truman Library invites community members of all ages to participate in the playing of Taps following a moment of silence.

Find the full details on Eventbrite.

THE PROMISE OF AMERICA

Applications are open for a regional teacher workshop at the Truman Library, hosted in partnership with Ford’s Theater. Local teachers are encouraged to apply for this free oratory-based professional workshop for K-12 teachers. Join colleagues and museum educators to explore how two iconic leaders—Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln—navigated unprecedented national crises and left lasting legacies. This three-day workshop offers educators the opportunity to engage with primary sources, scholarly insights, public speaking and theater arts-integrated strategies that will enrich classroom discourse and teaching on presidential

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EXPLORING THE PRESIDENCY FROM THE 18TH TO 20TH CENTURIES

Applications open January 6, 2025, for the Truman Library’s annual Summer Teacher Conference.

Join us for a collaborative, immersive five-day professional development workshop designed to help teachers create a deeper understanding of the president’s role within a democracy, strengthen classroom best practices, and connect historical relevance to student learning. This week-long workshop is open to K-12 teachers nationwide. The Truman Library’s nationally recognized educators will be joined by scholars from other presidential sites, including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, and the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library.

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Book one of our dynamic speakers to create a captivating and informative program for your next meeting! Engage audiences with Truman-era presentations designed to spark conversations, inspire insights, and entertain. Presentations are intended for adult groups of 20 or more, and speakers are limited to a one-hour radius from Kansas City.

Now booking 2025 events!

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