Truman Home Construction & Conservation Projects, 2009-2010

In 2008, Harry S Truman National Historic Site celebrated its 25th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service. The site remains dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Truman Home for the enjoyment of future generations. The latest project continued our work to keep the structure and original furnishings in good condition, with the installation of a more efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system and new fire suppression system.

Two types of work occurred during the project:

• Wallpaper and plaster repairs were made where damaged plaster had compromised wall and ceiling stability.
  
• New HVAC and sprinkler systems were installed.

Minimizing the damage to original Truman Home building materials is a top priority of the National Park Service. This was achieved by carefully selecting where new ductwork and water pipes were placed. As much as possible, the new HVAC system followed old ductwork paths and recessed sprinkler heads were located in places that do not detract from the visitors’ view of each room.

To learn more about the preservation and construction work in the Truman Home, please click on the links below.
Additional links will be added as work progresses.

A Time Capsule: Packing the 2nd Floor Artifacts
Ceiling Plaster Stabilization

This construction project is part of the National Park Service Centennial Initiative, introduced in May 2007 by the Secretary of the Interior. The initiative is a nine-year plan to improve facilities and services in the National Park Service for the 100^th anniversary of the agency in 2016.