National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Harry S Truman National Historic Site Bess Wallace Truman
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Bess Truman: A Lady First, Then a First Lady
Bess Wallace

Truman Library

Bess Wallace Truman

First Lady Bess Truman grew up in an affluent family, was a gregarious tomboy as a child and grew to be an extremely private politician's wife. To those who knew her, she was generous, loyal and always exuded the qualities of a true lady. This online exhibit explores the life of Elizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman from her childhood through her role as first lady.

Childhood
Courtship & Marriage
Motherhood
Life in the Spotlight

 
Bess and Harry with friends at Waterworks Park.

Bess Truman: Courtship & Marriage (8 Photos)

Photographs, documents and artifacts from the courtship and marriage between Bess Wallace and Harry Truman.
Bess Wallace in yard, circa 1905.

Bess Truman: Childhood (9 Photos)

Photographs and documents from Bess Truman's childhood.
Portrait of Bess Wallace Truman

Bess Truman: Life in the Spotlight (3 Photos)

Photographs, documents and artifacts from Bess Truman's life as the wife of a senator and President.
Margaret Truman being pulled on cart.

Bess Truman: Motherhood (8 Photos)

Photographs, documents and artifacts related to Bess Truman and her daughter Margaret.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: June 23, 2011 at 07:49 MST