History & Culture

Truman walks in his Independence, Missouri neighborhood.

Truman Library

After serving nearly eight years as President, Truman went home in 1953. For Harry and Bess, the love of his life, home meant 219 North Delaware Street in Independence, where they had lived together since their marriage in 1919. Mr. Truman lived more like a retired mayor than a former President.

Upon leaving the White House, he had no Secret Service protection, often drove his own car, and sometimes helped with the dishes. Ordinary citizens lined the front gate each morning hoping for an autograph, a handshake, or just a tip of his hat. Mr. Truman obliged them. “I realize they’ve come to see the striped mule of Missouri, and I don’t want them to be disappointed.”

Travelers to Independence can still experience Truman’s town and follow in his footsteps on a neighborhood walking tour, smell the concord grapes ripening on his back porch, and even read the oral histories of his friends and family.

219 North Delaware is the heart of Harry S Truman National Historic Site. The National Park Service also cares for four other Truman related homes that, along with the Delaware Street neighborhood, help tell the story of this “People’s President.” Places To Go

 

Mr. and Mrs. Truman coming home.

Truman Library

"I hope to be remembered as the people's President," said Harry S Truman to a national television audience in 1955. Speaking from his home he continued, "I'd say fifteen million people are…represented by the lobbyists in the city of Washington. The other 150 million have only one man who is elected at large to represent them, that is the President of the United States. When he goes back on them, they are in a bad way."

While in office, President Truman seemed fixated with the idea of fairness for all. He ordered the desegregation of the military, for example, and called his domestic program the Fair Deal. As the recognized leader of the free world, Truman wielded tremendous power, but he kept his perspective. "I always took the view that the Presidency is a gift of the people who elect the President for a limited time," he wrote.

 

Some Online Exhibits For You!

Preserved On Your Behalf

 

Voices of the Past

Oral Histories!

 

Inside 219 North Delaware Street

Inside the Truman Home!

 

Documenting the History of the Truman Home, the Truman Farm, and More!
Building a better understanding to help us help you...

Harry S Truman National Historic Site was authorized by the Secretary of the Interior in late 1982, and subsequently authorized by Congress in May, 1984, with legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan.

The National Park Service immediately began conducting a series of investigations, research projects, and interviews to gain a better understanding of the physical and human history of the new resources we were entrusted with. These studies and reports help us not only preserve these resources to a high standard, they help us create a memorable visitor experience.

The most recent report is one completed in 2023 focusing on the post White House years of President and Mrs. Harry S Truman. It, too, helps us gain a more complete understanding of their retirement years, which, in turn, can help us give you a memorable visit.

Like these precious resources here, these reports and studies belong to you, so please enjoy.

 

Source: Data Store Collection 9553. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.