Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum — Attraction in Independence

My family of four visited on July 25th in the late afternoon. This museum is so well done. While there is typically a lot to read in a presidential library, the Truman library had quite a few interactive exhibits for the kids. I would highly recommend visiting if you are in the area!

I gave this library 5 stars but had an unfortunate situation with the staff at the front desk. I didn't alter my rating although I am so very disappointed with the way I was treated. There is a 13 minute introductory film and a 45 minute film that discuss the life of Truman. We didn't have enough time for the 45 minute video so as the museum was closing and we were on our way out, I asked an older lady at the front desk if she could tell me the name of the video so we could try to find it online. She said the name was Truman and that I wouldn't find it online because they (the museum) held the rights to it. I asked her specifically what the film was about, she replied it was about Truman. I'm not sure the reason for her nasty and condescending tone toward me. I was inquiring about the film so I could show it to my two young children and continue to educate them even after we left the museum.

If you search YouTube for Harry Truman and the Truman library, you'll find a presentation that includes the 45 minute Guggenheim "exclusive" video. Hopefully someone from the library management staff sees this review and is able to coach this person and perhaps help her find a job that doesn't involve working...

The Truman Library is a must see for anyone traveling to Kansas City. The exhibits are always a treat and the staff are friendly and eager to answer questions. The only negative about this wonderful museum is that it is located in independence. A place where the police department’s deplorable behavior is well documented and reaches all the way to the chief of police. The NAACP issued a Missouri travel warning because of cities like independence. I had a friend who used to work the graveyard shift and one morning when he was driving home he saw traffic backed up in front of him which he thought was an accident. When he turned around to avoid this, a police car came racing after him. He stopped, and the cop came charging out of his car gun drawn screaming obscenities and commands to get out. It turned out it was a DWI checkpoint but the behavior of the cop in the situation was not appropriate. When a superior arrived, they let my friend go without so much as an apology. My friend’s dad was a police officer in another community, so he gave the incident the benefit of the doubt and did not pursue it but the way that cop behaved was completely out of line. Independence seems to employ a lot of young, inexperienced cops who are trying to live out their 80’s style action movie fantasies. The city seems to use Ferguson, Missouri as their model for how to run a city and police department.

Do visit the Truman Library but it’s best not to linger long in...

My brother and I visited Kansas and Missouri in November of 2023, largely motivated by the museums of Pres. Eisenhower and Truman. Visiting Truman's museum was a very satisfying experience.

To start, there's a statue of the man outside for an excellent photo opportunity. The museum exhibits begin with a video that introduces the audience to how Truman became President. From there, one is taken on a timeline - from Harry's early life, to how he met Bess, to his days in WWI, to owning his haberdashery, to the Senate, the Vice Presidency, and the Presidency...etc. There is a lot to see. There is a replica of the Oval Office and Truman's on-site office is preserved. Harry and Bess are buried here; Margaret is interred as well. This museum has interactive components; the visitor is given a series of questions and is allowed to answer them on screens that are located throughout the exhibition.

There is a gift shop where one can purchase postcards, bandanas, caps, and even a miniature model of Harry and Bess in their railroad coach from the whistle-stop tour.

My brother and I spent just about 3 hours at the museum, and we did not feel rushed at any point. Note that Truman's boyhood home is located close by but is not on site (as such, we could only see it from the outside as it was closed by the time we came...