Harry S Truman National Historic Site and a team of wonderful partners celebrated the 100th wedding anniversary of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S Truman, and his great love, Bess Wallace Truman. This anniversary culminated in a wedding vow renewal ceremony held on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
Harry S Truman and Elizabeth Virginia "Bess" Wallace were wed at 4:00PM, June 28, 1919, at Trinity Episcopal Church, in Independence, Missouri. Mr. Truman was married in a beautiful checkered suit, made by his Best Man, Theodore Marks. Mr. Truman and Mr. Marks had recently returned to America from serving in the Great War. That suit, part of the park's museum/ textile collection, was on display a century to the minute in Trinity Episcopal Church. Miss Wallace was married in a beautiful dress that was on display at the Truman Library at the same time.
At the Truman Home, then known as by many as the Gates-Wallace house, park staff took photographs of visitors on the spot where the newly wed Mr. and Mrs. Truman had their wedding portraits taken.
On the evening of June 28, 2019, over 50 couples...from at least eight different states...with one couple married 72 years...renewed their vows on the steps of President Truman's beloved Library and Museum. A champagne toast was offered, and the 135th Division Band (U.S. Army) provided music.
All sites actively used social media to connect with people from around the world during the week. Harry S Truman NHS reached over 12,400 persons on facebook alone.
This day of events, a year in the planning, was made possible by the friendship the park has with the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, the Jackson County Historical Society, the Independence Square Association, the City of Independence, the United States Army, the State of Missouri, and more.
Contact Us
|
|
Last updated: July 5, 2019
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
223 North Main Street (Visitor Center/ Truman Home Ticketing Station)
Independence,
MO
64050
Phone:
816-254-9929
The park is open to the public Wednesdays-Sundays. The park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Administrative staff work Monday-Friday.
For Administration staff, please call (816) 254-2720, Mondays to Fridays, 8AM-4PM.
All times central. (We like to call it Truman Time.)