Featured Events
Truman Medal for Economic Policy
6 p.m. Reception | 6:30 p.m. Program
Truman Forum, Kansas City Public Library–Plaza Branch
4801 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64112
Join us in person or online for the Truman Medal for Economic Policy Award Ceremony honoring Sheila Bair, former chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
A nationally recognized leader in financial regulation and public service, Bair has held multiple senior leadership positions in government, academia and the private sector.
She is renowned for protecting Main Street during the 2008 financial crisis. As Chair of the FDIC from 2006 to 2011, she championed accountability for “too big to fail” institutions and earned the JFK Library’s Profiles in Courage Award. She was twice named by Forbes Magazine as the second most powerful woman in the world. Time Magazine called her the “little guy’s protector in chief.”
Bair later served as the first female President of Washington College and became the first female Chair of Fannie Mae. She has served on several corporate and advisory boards, while continuing her work on public policy issues as founding chair of the Systemic Risk Council and a founding board member of the Volcker Alliance. She is also a trustee of Economists for Peace and Security.
A respected voice on financial policy issues, Sheila is a frequent op-ed contributor for the Financial Times and other publications. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Bull by the Horns, her memoir of the financial crisis, and its companion for teens, Bullies of Wall Street.
BIRD MEN
Onstage & Online | 6:30 p.m. CT
Unity Temple on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
The Rise of American Airpower and the Machine that Ended World War II
Featuring New York Times bestselling author A. J. Baime
The sweeping story of how one general bet everything to build WWII’s most expensive weapon—more costly than the Manhattan Project—and how it won the war and rewrote the future of American air power.
Bestselling author of The Accidental President, A. J. Baime returns with the incredible story of the airplane that ended World War II, the rise of American airpower, and the man who made it all possible.
Of all the feats of American ingenuity in World War II, perhaps none was as impressive in scale or vital to the Allied victory as the creation of American airpower. Just a few years before the start of World War II, the American military was stuck in the dark ages of aviation, with the U.S. Army’s Air Corps mainly focused, not on combat, but on mail delivery. Fast forward to the end of the war, and America had launched the most impressive flying machine the world had ever seen: the B-29 Superfortress, a weapon so essential to ending the war that its research and development process cost more than the Manhattan Project.
Now A. J. Baime, one of our foremost chroniclers of 20th-century history, returns with the story of this remarkable turnaround. From the dawn of aviation until the creation of the U.S. Air Force, Baime tells a sweeping story of American ingenuity, perseverance, and resilience, as the brightest minds from around the country came together to create the planes and the air strategy that carried the Allies to victory.
What emerges is a book that rightfully places the creation of World War II airpower in the pantheon of American technological achievements alongside the Manhattan Project and the Space Race. In the end, the Superfortress did more than win the war—it made America a superpower.
A. J. Baime is a New York Times bestselling author of narrative nonfiction exploring pivotal moments in American history. His books include The Accidental President, The Arsenal of Democracy, Go Like Hell, Dewey Defeats Truman, and White Lies.
2026 Bennett Forum on the Presidency
Onstage & Online | 6:30 p.m. CT
Unity Temple on the Plaza
707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri
Save the date for the most anticipated Member event of the year!
Truman Library Institute members are invited to be part of an exclusive, national conversation with Colleen Shogan, former Archivist of the United States and CEO of In Pursuit; Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief of USA TODAY; and Sharon McMahon, New York Times bestselling author, educator, and podcaster.
250 years into our nation’s story, what can the history of the presidency reveal about the forces shaping the United States today? And what can it tell us about where we go from here?
At this extraordinary moment in history—just weeks after the midterm elections—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
The 20th Annual Bennett Forum on the Presidency is offered exclusively to Truman Library Institute members and VIP guests.
- Student / Teacher level = 1 free ticket
- Basic level = 2 free tickets
- Family level and higher = 4 free tickets
Not yet a Member? Annual memberships start at just $35 and offer nationwide benefits.
JOIN & RSVP
When you activate your Membership, you will receive an email with your Members-only registration link for the 20th Annual Bennett Forum on the Presidency.
[CC] This event includes real-time closed captioning for all attendees.
Special Exhibitions
The Story of US: America at 250
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, Missouri
Included with general admission (Members free)
As America approaches its 250th birthday, The Story of Us: America at 250 explores the ideals, conflicts and defining moments that shaped the nation.
Through historic documents, iconic artifacts and interactive exhibits for all ages, visitors can experience 250 years of American history in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
Don’t miss: My Wish for America, an interactive community talk-back station where visitors can share their hopes for the country’s future.
United We Play
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, Missouri
Included with general admission (Members free)
From sandlots to stadiums, First Families to your family, experience an all-new, all-star exhibition celebrating the sporting spirit.
As Kansas City welcomes the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum invites you to explore United We Play: Kicking It with the Trumans—a new exhibition showcasing the power of sports to inspire and unite us.
TRU Education
High School Trivia Contest
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, MO 64050
Regional high school teams are invited to compete for honor and prizes in the Truman Library’s annual High School Trivia Contest. Encourage your students to test their knowledge of history and the presidency. This event for students in grades 9-12; only one team per school. Private, parochial, public and home schools are all welcome to register for the contest. There is no fee to participate, but teams are encouraged to register early—this popular event fills quickly!
Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third-place teams, along with certificates of participation for each student. Light refreshments will be served.
2026 Theme: America250
Register your six-person team today!
Truman Library Presents
White Glove Wednesdays
11 a.m. Every 3rd Wednesday
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, Missouri
Get up close with rarely viewed presidential treasures preserved at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Included with museum admission, White Glove Wednesday presentations are offered every third Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Your TRU Event
TRUMAN SPEAKERS BUREAU
A free public service to our community
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 2026 events!