Join a docent-guided tour of this 19th-century home to get a glimpse into the unassuming lifestyle of President Truman and his family.
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence is the former home of Harry S. Truman, the 33rdpresident of the United States. Also known as Truman House, the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site offers an intriguing insight into the life of Truman away from politics. Admire the Victorian architectural style of the house and peruse rooms decorated with original artefacts.
George Porterfield Gates, the grandfather of Truman’s wife Bess Wallace, built Truman House as a family residence in the 1860s. Truman and Bess moved here in 1919 shortly after getting married. Truman used the home until his death in 1972 Bess stayed until she passed away a decade later. Notice the home’s asymmetrical design and Victorian-era aspects. A balustrade porch, scroll gable ornamentations and narrow colourful windows are among notable features. Surrounding the house is an immaculate garden shaded by oak trees. At the rear of the garden is a garage with President Truman’s 1972 Chrysler Newport car parked inside.
Inside, 14 rooms spread over two floors and are decorated as they were during the time of the Trumans’ residency. Following the will of Bess, only the lower floor is open to visitors. Family portraits, floral-patterned wallpaper and paintings adorn the walls. Look for the highlights including a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, a Steinway piano and a fireplace with decorative tiles that portray a Middle Eastern cityscape.
The house is a 10-minute walk west of Historic Independence Square. If you drive, park for free at the nearby First Baptist Church. The house forms part of the Truman Walking Trail, a 2.7-mile-long (4.3-kilometre) route that incorporates over 40 sites related to Truman. It comprises landmarks such as the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Truman Memorial Building.
Purchase tickets, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Park Visitor Centre on Main Street. The visitor centre is open daily year-round. Tours of the Truman House are not available on Mondays from November 1 to Memorial Day. Truman Farm, located in Grandview, is also incorporated under the name Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.
