Laws & Policies

What is the Code of Federal Regulations? And What is Title 36 of the CFR?

Well, the Code of Federal Regulations is a documentation of the general and permanent regulations, published in the Federal Register, that executive departments and agencies adhere to.

The authority for an NPS Superintendent to issue a "compendium" like you'll see below has its origins in 36 CFR, which focuses on parks, forestry, and public property.

Regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations often change. This website is a useful tool to determine the current regulations in effect. You can also see how CFRs have changed over time.

Click here for a United States Government website on the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36.

 

Firearms and Other Weapons

Legislation: As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to legally possess firearms in this park. Refer to Section 512 of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-24, 123 Stat. 1764-65.

Park User Responsibility: It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please see the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 571.

Weapons Prohibited in Federal Facilities: Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Specifically, firearms are prohibited inside the park visitor center and the Truman Home in Independence. Firearms are also prohibited inside the Truman Farm Home in Grandview. Refer to 18 U.S.C. § 930.

 

 

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Superintendent’s Compendium
Approved: Kristen Stalling, Acting Superintendent
Date: December 22, 2025

 

In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Harry S Truman National Historic Site. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Harry S Truman National Historic Site. These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR may be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.
• Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.

Please contact Acting Superintendent Kristen Stalling if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium:

Kristen Stalling
[phone]
[e-mail]

Harry S Truman National Historic Site
223 North Main Street
Independence MO 64050

NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define certain terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this compendium, those definitions apply. In addition to terms defined in the CFR, the following terms used in this compendium are defined as follows:

Day Use Area: Any area consisting of or adjacent to paved parking lots, buildings, or toilet facilities that are open to the general public.

Uncrewed Aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, and drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Walkway: Sidewalks, paths, trails, or hard-surfaced areas that are closed to the use of bicycles and motorized vehicles.

36 CFR 1.5 – CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS

36 CFR 1.5(a)(1)—Visiting hours, public use limits, and closures

Visitor Center Hours

223 North Main Street, Independence. Lobby, theater showing park introductory film, exhibits, restrooms, Eastern National store are open to the public for visitation and ticket sales on Wednesdays to Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Headquarters offices are open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The above schedule is in place to provide maximum visitor and resource protection consistent with current staffing levels. These hours of operation meet the needs of current visitation trends for the park. Activities may occur throughout the year outside of these times and will be advertised as such.

Truman Home

219 North Delaware, Independence. First floor exhibit area is open to the public for ranger-guided tours (only) from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. A ticket is required for entry into the home and grounds. The ticket may be obtained at the Visitor Center for the specific timed tour. All children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All children under six (6) must be accompanied by at least one (1) adult per two (2) children.

Noland Home

216 North Delaware, Independence. First floor exhibit area is open to the public for self-guided tours Wednesdays to Sundays from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Truman Farm Home

12301 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Grandview, MO is open for guided tours (only) seasonally, with a schedule announced on the park’s website. Cell phone tours of the grounds are available for visitors during daylight hours. (The grounds are open from sunrise to one-half hour past sunset). Cell phone tour brochures are available on-site.

Food and drink are not allowed within the Visitor Center, Truman Home or Truman Farm Home or Noland Home.The prohibition of consumable items in exhibit areas guards against inadvertent spills, litter, or the potential to attract pests that may be attracted to or damage the exhibits.

Passenger Carrying Buses – Engines must be shut down when not underway.

The idling of bus engines adds unnecessary exhaust fumes to the air and diminishes the enjoyment by visitors of the peace and tranquility of the park.

36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) - Designate Areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.

Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
• If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Harry S Truman National Historic Site is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

Unauthorized unmanned aircraft within the site may pose a safety hazard to participants and/or visitors, damage cultural resources, interfere with interpretive programming, and harass local wildlife. This determination has been made based on the need to maintain public health and safety, to protect park resources and values, and to avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

Areas Closed to the Public

At the Independence Unit, the interiors of the Truman Carriage House, Frank Wallace Home, George Wallace Home and Garage are closed to the public. The grounds of the Frank and George Wallace Homes are closed to the public. The grounds surrounding the Truman Home are closed to the public except during special events, or for guided tours of the Truman Home grounds when employees accompany visitors.

At the Grandview Unit, the Truman Farm Home is open seasonally per hours announced on the park website. The grounds of the Grandview unit are open daily during daylight hours, and self-guided tours via NPS App are available.

The Truman Carriage House, the Frank and George Wallace Homes, the George Wallace Garage and the outbuildings at the Grandview Unit are closed to the public because these structures tell the Truman story only as exterior exhibits to help interpret the historic landscape associated with 219 North Delaware Street, and are used for park administrative uses, e.g. offices, quarters, maintenance and storage purposes.

Entering the grounds of the Noland, Frank and George Wallace Homes is prohibited to protect/preserve the cultural landscape and structure exteriors. The grounds of the Truman Home may only be accessed during guided tours.

36 CFR 1.6(f) – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

• Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5.
• Specimen collection for research purposes. 36 CFR 2.5
• Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian tribes. 36 CFR 2.6
• Camping in day use areas. 36 CFR 2.6
• Operating a power saw in developed areas and a motor or engine in undeveloped areas. 36 CFR 2.12.
• Operating a public address system 36 CFR 2.12.
• Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means. 36 CFR 2.17.
• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37.
• Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives; using or possessing fireworks or firecrackers. 36 CFR 2.38.
• Conducting a special event. 36 CFR 2.50.
• Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51.
• Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52.
• Running-at-large, herding, driving across, allowing on, pasturing, or grazing of livestock or using the park for agriculture. 36 CFR 2.60.
• Residing on federal lands. 36 CFR 2.61.
• Scattering of human ashes from cremation. 36 CFR 2.62.
• Towing a person using a parasail, hang-glider, or other airborne device 36 CFR 3.12.
• Operating a submersible. 36 CFR 5.3.
• Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1.
• Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.5.
• Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 54 U.S.C. 100905.
• Using commercial vehicles on NPS-administered roads. 36 CFR 5.6.
• Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7.
• Rights-of-way. 36 CFR part 14.
• Examining ruins, excavating archeological sites, and gathering of objects of antiquity. 43 CFR part 3.
• Excavating or removing archeological resources. 43 CFR part 7.
• Collecting paleontological resources. 43 CFR part 49.

36 CFR 2—PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

36 CFR 2(a)(5)—Walking on, climbing, entering, ascending, descending, or traversing a cultural resource, monument, or statue, except in designated areas and under conditions established by the superintendent, is prohibited.

Visitor traffic is restricted to the modern gray carpet in the Truman Home-1^st Floor and Truman Farm Home, the Visitor Center exhibit, theater and bookstore areas and the first-floor exhibit space in the Noland Home.

Touching or handling artifacts or historic fabric within the Truman Home and Truman Farm Home is prohibited.

No climbing is permitted on protected resources, including historic structures in Independence/Grandview, historic fence surrounding Truman Home, stone walls at the Noland Home, stone posts at the Farm, and wayside exhibits/signs at all sites.

Pets, bicycles, and other objects may not be tied to any portion of the historic fence surrounding the Truman Home property.

The park contains cultural resources that may be irrevocably damaged or cause a public safety concern. Designated areas for pedestrian use include sidewalks, pathways, and other established walkways. Prohibition includes but is not limited to climbing buildings, park signs, and exhibits.

36 CFR 2(a)(6)—Possessing, destroying, injuring, defacing, removing, digging, or disturbing a structure or its furnishing or fixtures, or other cultural or archeological resources is prohibited.

36 CFR 2(a)(7)—Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or subbottom profiler is prohibited.

The grounds of Harry S Truman National Historic Site are a cultural landscape, where the use of such devices and the digging associated with them will adversely affect the park resource.

36 CFR 2.10—CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

Camping within the boundaries of Harry S Truman National Historic Site (grounds or parking lot) is prohibited.

There are no camping facilities in the park. These restrictions are intended protect natural and cultural resources, and for public safety concerns. In consideration of the increased potential for resource damage and the health and safety of visitors these activities are prohibited.

36 CFR 2.11—PICNICKING

There are no designated picnicking sites at the Independence or Grandview Units.

Picnicking would detract from the historic scene, the themes and legislatively mandated purposes of the park. In addition, the activity creates the potential for visual intrusion on the historic landscape scene and can interfere with the interpretation of both the Truman Home and Truman Farm Home stories.

36 CFR 2.13—FIRES

The lighting or maintaining of fires is prohibited. No lantern, open flame stove, candle, or other open flame source may be used within the park boundaries of Harry S Truman National Historic Site.

Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – creates serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign informing visitors of the risks of using certain materials to light or maintain a fire, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

Numerous cultural resources exist throughout Harry S Truman NHS that may be irrevocably damaged. The smell of smoke or flames may cause a public safety concern and interfere with fire detection systems.

36 CFR 2.15—PETS

Pets are restricted in all historic structures and cultural landscapes (service animals excepted). Pets are permitted on park grounds at the Truman Farm Home but must always be on a leash and under the immediate control of the pet’s owner. Leash shall not exceed six feet in length.

Consistent with public health and safety, the protection of natural and cultural resources, and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities, pets must be restricted. Pets are not considered compatible with the broad park goal of minimal visitor impact nor are they inherently suitable for adapting quickly to a strange environment often involving close association with strange persons or other animals. It is recognized that many park visitors have pets, and they are permitted where they do not jeopardize basic park values. This does not apply to animals assisting people with disabilities.

Pets shall be attended and under control while owners are in the park. Pets will not be left in areas where food, water, shade, ventilation, and other basic needs are inadequate. Pets will be controlled and on a leash, if not contained within a vehicle or in a pet carrier. Leashes will not exceed six feet in length. Animals running at-large and not claimed by the owner within a reasonable period will be impounded by City of Independence or City of Grandview animal control officers.

These requirements protect visitors, natural resources, park structures, and the cultural landscape and ensure pets are properly cared for while in the park.

Pet excrement shall be removed immediately from the park or deposited in a refuse container by the person(s) controlling the pet(s).

The grounds are a cultural and natural resource within an urban area where concentrations of people gather. School groups often visit and traverse the grounds. This restriction is intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and to provide for a healthy, sanitary, and safe environment.

36 CFR 2.20—SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES

Using roller skates, skateboards, roller skis, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited. All types of bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks and pedestrian areas around Harry S Truman National Historic Site.

These restrictions are intended to reduce any possible conflict between park users, and protect natural and cultural resources, and for public safety concerns. In consideration of the increased potential for resource damage and the health and safety of visitors these activities are prohibited.

36 CFR 2.21—SMOKING

The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:

• Within 25 feet of the exterior of all buildings within boundaries of Harry S Truman National Historic Site
• Within all government buildings, facilities, and vehicles.
• All park partner/leased and tenant facilities located within the park.

These restrictions are intended to reduce any possible conflict between users and to ensure a healthy workplace for employees and visitors. Further, smoke and gases from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes adversely affect museum exhibits and artifacts.

36 CFR 2.22—PROPERTY

The following are prohibited:

1. (1) Abandoning property.
2. (2) Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours, except in locations where longer time periods have been designated or in accordance with conditions established by the superintendent.
3. (3) Failing to turn in found property to the superintendent as soon as practicable.

To ensure the security of park visitors, employees, and resources, no item(s) may be left unattended for any length of time in the Visitor Center.

Geocaching, letterboxing, or like GPS activities, or the placement of a physical cache on park property, are prohibited. Geocaching is defined as the placement of a concealed cache within the park boundaries and then disseminating the coordinates/location, or clues to the coordinates/location, for the purpose of enticing third parties to search for the cache at a later date.

Unattended property is inconsistent with the orderly management of park areas and may present a security or other threat to park resources. Property may not be left unattended in the park for security, health, and safety reasons, and it is not compatible with the cultural landscape or interpretive value of the park.

36 CFR 2.32—INTERFERING WITH AGENCY FUNCTIONS

As defined in this section, interference, violations of lawful orders, false information, and false reports are prohibited.

36 CFR 2.35—ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

The use, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on federally owned lands within Harry S Truman National Historic Site, except under the conditions of a special use permit issued by the office of the superintendent. Presence in a park area when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to a degree that may endanger oneself or another person, or damage property or park resources, is prohibited.

The use of alcoholic beverages within a historic school may be perceived as incompatible with its historic nature as a place for education of children. Additionally, the facility is sometimes viewed as a place of pilgrimage by participants in the Civil Rights Movement.

36 CFR 2.51—DEMONSTRATIONS AND DESIGNATED AVAILABLE PARK AREAS

36 CFR 2.51(c)(2)—Designated location

The locations outlined in orange in the photos below, to the north of the Truman Home and south of the Farm Home, are designated as available for demonstrations. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures.

 

 

 

The designated locations are in prominent locations that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to enter and leave the Truman Home and Farm Home safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.

36 CFR 2.52—SALE OF PRINTED MATTER AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER AND OTHER MESSAGE-BEARING ITEMS

The locations outlined in orange in the photos below, to the north of the Truman Home and south of the Farm Home, are designated for distribution of printed materials. A permit is not required for a demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures.

 

 

 

The designated locations are in prominent locations that will allow individuals and groups to conduct demonstrations in a manner that will allow for effective communication of speech and other protected activities. At the same time, the designated location leaves ample space for visitors to enter and leave the Truman Home and Farm Home safely and for the NPS to conduct administrative activities such as interpretive events.

36 CFR 4.30--BICYCLES

36 CFR 4.30(i)—Electric Bicycles

Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are allowed in locations where traditional bicycles are also allowed, namely park roads and parking areas. Bicycles of all kinds are prohibited on sidewalks around the visitor center and historic sites.

Allowing electric bicycles on roads and parking areas will not create new, adverse impacts to resources or visitors because those locations are already used by motor vehicles and traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles provide a recreational opportunity for visitors who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise because of physical fitness, age, or convenience. Class 3 electric bicycles, which allow the motor to assist pedaling up to 28 mph, would create unacceptable risks to visitor safety on roads and parking areas in the park due to potential conflicts with heavier and faster motor vehicles, and with other electric bicycles and traditional bicycles, which travel at slower speeds. Accidents that occur at higher speeds increase the risk of serious injury or death.

NOTICE OF THE USE OF CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV)

In accordance with National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Harry S Truman National Historic Site uses Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.

NPS use of CCTV is for law enforcement and security purposes and will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use—which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards—will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist activity; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in government administrative areas,including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities, revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers.

Operation of CCTV cameras will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy. No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views.

Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.