President Harry S Truman took America from its traditional isolationism into the age of international involvement. Despite his power, he never forgot where he came from. Today, visitors can experience the surroundings Truman knew as a young man of modest ambition through his political career and final years as a former president.
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"Well, it's good to be back home, in what I call the center of the world...Independence, Missouri. I am more than happy to be here, and to stay here the rest of my life. I hope I won't cause you much trouble while I am here!"
A short black and white film shows former President Harry S Truman, then in his late 70s, in suit and tie on the front porch of his home. He is speaking to a camera just below him. At the end of the clip he enters the front door.
This is a film outtake from a television series former President Harry S Truman was part of in his retirement years. He beams proudly of his adopted hometown, Independence, Missouri. He was proud to be a Missourian, born in Lamar, lived in Grandview, Kansas City, and Independence. All these places had deep meaning for him. Come to Jackson County, Missouri, and you'll find out why Truman was so proud to call this place home.
Take a guided tour of the Truman Home for an in-depth view of the personal and family life of the 33rd President of the United States.
Harry S Truman NHS preserves over 50,000 artifacts related to the Truman family. Click below to see a selection of objects.
A brief introduction to Harry S Truman, 33rd President of the United States, and citizen of Independence, Missouri.
Harry S Truman, the man ultimately responsible for ending WWII, proudly served in WWI. There he learned about warfare, and leadership.
Over the past 39 years, this program has continued to preserve important information passed down about the Truman family’s home life.
A virtual tour of the first floor and video tour of the second is here. Due to the fragile structure of the house the upstairs is not open.
Learn more about the National Park Service Wellness Challenge located at Harry S Truman National Historic Site!
Home of Harry's cousins...learn more about the courtship of Harry & Bess and life in the Truman neighborhood. Open Wednesday to Sunday.
Some of the Federal recreation passes are available at our visitor center. Others are easily available online.
These two small bungalow homes, once belonging to two of Bess Wallace Truman's brothers, are now part of the cultural landscape.
We hope you'll come and see us! We have some tips to make your visit safe, memorable, and meaningful. We welcome you.
You can be a Junior Ranger and get a really cool badge like the Rangers wear!
Last updated: September 9, 2024
