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
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Harry S Truman National Historic SiteBess Wallace Truman
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Bess Truman: A Lady First, Then a First Lady
First Lady Bess Truman seated in living room of her Independence home.

Truman Library

First Lady Bess Truman seated in living room of her Independence home.

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

 
Kennedy and Macmillan approaching the Little White House. Credit: John F. Kennedy Library  

Did You Know?
Truman’s Key West home has hosted many distinguished guests. Thomas Edison stayed here during WWI, while working on depth charge research. Eisenhower used the home while recuperating from a heart attack in 1956. In 1961, Kennedy & Prime Minister MacMillan stayed here during the Bay of Pigs incident.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: March 11, 2008 at 17:21 EST