The Rise of American Airpower and the Machine that Ended World War II

Featuring New York Times bestselling author A. J. Baime

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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.

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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

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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. 

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[CC] This event includes real-time closed captioning for all attendees.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Judy Woodruff

HONORARY CHAIRS
Jan & Tom Kreamer

EVENT CHAIRS
The Simmons Family: Anne, Al & Joe

Wild About Harry—the premiere event celebrating and advancing President Truman’s legacy and library—has raised more than $11 million in support of nationally acclaimed education and outreach programs that foster civic learning and engagement.

In 2010, the Truman Library Institute inaugurated the Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award, now an annual WILD event highlight. Together, the dinner and award ceremony provide invaluable support to the mission that mattered most to President Truman after leaving the White House—establishing his presidential library as a “Classroom for Democracy” where young people, especially, would be inspired and prepared to lead lives of purpose and service. Thank you for helping advance this vital cause.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Veterans Day book event explores the lasting imprint of war on those who serve and the families who love them.

Kathy Poulsen Romero, author of Letters from Heartbreak Ridge
In conversation with Matthew Algeo, author of Harry Truman’s Excellent Adventure and When Harry Met Pablo

For more than 70 years, a tattered box tied with a lace ribbon sat tucked away in the home of Kathy Poulsen Romero’s parents. Yellowed with age, its contents remained unopened until Romero finally discovered what had been hidden inside: more than 70 carefully preserved letters her father had written to her mother while serving in the Korean War.

The letters followed a young soldier from home to the front lines, including the brutal fighting at Heartbreak Ridge. They offered a firsthand account of a war that would shape a generation, but for Romero, their significance was far more personal. In the pages of those letters, she found the story of her parents’ courtship and glimpses of a father she had never fully known.

As she read, a different side of her father began to emerge—not simply the man she remembered, but the young soldier, devoted husband, and man behind the experiences that had shaped his life. What began as the discovery of a family treasure became an extraordinary journey toward understanding her parents and the lasting imprint of war on those who serve and the families who love them.

Both the concert band and book event are included with museum admission, which is free for Truman Library Institute members. Event registration is not required.

 

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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.

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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 2026 events!

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