Why is the second floor closed to the public?

The second floor was closed to the public during the lifetime of Margaret Truman per wishes of the family. Today, the second floor remains closed to the public for preservation and accessibility issues, and as of this time there are no current plans to open the second floor to the public.

Why can't we just take a self guided tour?

To ensure the protection and preservation of the Truman Home, it is accessible to the public by guided tour only. These tours are limited to 8 people tour due to the size of the rooms in the Truman Home. The guided tours allow for a more personal experience while visiting the Truman Home.

Why can't we take photographs in the home?

Photographs are not allowed in the Truman Home in order to protect and preserve the artifacts in the home. The flash is potentially damaging to these artifacts due to the cumulative effect of the light exposure. Additionally, with limited space available along the tour route, the potential for bumping into the artifacts and damaging them is great, so preventing video and photography in the Truman Home altogether will help us protect the artifacts.

How can I conduct research using the Truman Home collection?

We welcome research requests about the collection housed at Harry S Truman NHS. The museum collection includes furnishings and personal possessions of Harry S Truman (1884-1972), 33rd President of the United States, and his wife Bess Wallace Truman (1885-1982). Much of the collection remains inside in the Truman Home, a 14-room Victorian style house built in 1867 and enlarged in 1885 by Bess Truman's maternal grandfather, and known as the "Summer White House" from 1945-1952. Please contact the Curator for more information at (816) 254-2720.