Harry Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Activity Overview

The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is one of fourteen Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. As the 33rd President of the United States Harry S. Truman had a profound effect on American society and on our country's place in the world. A visit to the Harry Truman Presidential Library affords visitors a fantastic opportunity to learn all about his presidency and the work he conducted throughout his life.

During his time in office the Second World War concluded with atomic bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. His tenure also saw the beginning of the Cold War, the Korean War, the creation of the U.N and N.A.T.O and some tentative steps towards dealing with the issue of civil rights as he oversaw the racial integration of the military and federal services.

Things to Do

• The Library is home to two permanent exhibitions. The first is entitled "Truman: The Presidential Years". In total it covers 10,500 square foot and includes interactive displays about key moments of his Presidential career like the use of atomic bombs to finish W.W II and his remarkable winning of a second term in office against all the odds.
• The second exhibition is called "Harry S. Truman: His Life and Times". This takes a more personal look at the President's entire life and the life of his family too.
• There is also a focus on his activities after his time in office and how he remained active in politics while securing his legacy.

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library Insider Tips

• Students should make use of the resources made available online for research. The various articles and pieces of information here are perfect for projects on the President and the times he lived through.