Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler

For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler

  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Blog
  • Work With Us
    • Media Kit
    • Help with Your Business
    • Housesitting
      • How to Get Started as an International House Sitter
      • Our Housesitting Profile
  • Places
    • Africa
      • South Africa
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Australia & Oceania
      • Australia
      • Fiji Islands
      • The Philippines
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Bosnia and Herzegovina
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Czech Republic
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Liechtenstein
      • Norway
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Russia
      • Serbia
      • Spain
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Alaska
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Illinois
      • Iowa
      • Kansas
      • Michigan
      • Minnesota
      • Missouri
      • Montana
      • Nebraska
      • Nevada
      • North Carolina
      • North Dakota
      • Pennsylvania
      • South Dakota
      • Wisconsin
      • Wyoming
    • Scandinavia
      • Finland
      • Sweden
    • General Travel
  • Resources and Tools
    • Gift Guides
    • Luggage and Packing
      • Luggage Tags
      • Passport Security
    • Resources for Zazzle and Print On Demand
    • Technology
  • Contact

The Truman Home: Another White House

By Betsy Wuebker 4 Comments

(Last Updated On: January 27, 2020)

TrumanhomeWhen we planned our trip to Kansas City, we found ourselves with a hotel reservation in Independence and the opportunity to visit the world of Harry S Truman. Even though the primary focus of our trip was Kansas City style barbecue, we were looking forward to the opportunity to take in the Truman home, as well as  the Truman Presidential Library and Decision Center. Having been fascinated by this President ever since reading David McCullough‘s Truman biography, I was eager for this part of our visit.

Truman observed that “Jackson County has been the hub of the west since trail days . . . and as far as I am concerned, it is the hub of the world.” From very humble beginnings, and with a leg up from a the Pendergast political machine, Harry S Truman nevertheless managed a political career on the premise of getting things done, and then when they were, came home from the White House to Independence to live the life of a very ordinary American.

Truman’s life in Independence was hyper-local and fairly ordinary. Indeed, during our tour of the Truman home, which also served as the summer White House, our guide informed us that many townspeople in Independence still remember encountering the President on the street during his daily stroll. He’d be nattily turned out with camel topcoat, fedora and walking stick. Most poignant was standing under the main stairwell by the side door next to the coat hook where the very coat, hat and cane lay waiting as if their owner would step out in them today.

Our tour of the Truman home reinforced the impression that Harry S Truman was everyman, thrust into the White House under enormous circumstances. The Truman Administration faced the closing days of World War II, global reconstruction and changes in foreign policy, as well as the growing Cold War threat. The Truman Presidential Library is unique in that Harry S Truman was present not only during its planning and preparation, but also on basically a daily basis by virtue of proximity to the Truman home.

trumanweddingIt was mind-boggling to think of having to make the decisions asked of Harry S Truman, particularly the biggest and most controversial one – to drop the atomic bomb. He confided by letter to his beloved Bess that he knew people would armchair quarterback everything about the foreign policy of the Truman Administration. But it was also significant to learn that he made this enormous decision as he did most – quickly and without looking back. You have to have a backbone of moral certainty from which to do this. But also, the Truman developed his ability to balance instinct and urgency as a commanding officer in the first World War. Truman’s backbone was formed in the values and priorities of life in Independence, and then strengthened in combat.

The Truman Presidential Library and Museum has a unique experiential opportunity called The White House Decision Center, in which students and adult groups can role-play the big decisions faced by the Truman Administration. There is also decision-making course work, with modules based on the Berlin Blockade, the desegregation of the armed forces, ending the war against Japan, and invading South Korea.

The Truman sites in Independence will bring forth a sense of familiarity with many Americans – a small-town experience, modest ambitions, humble beginnings, and old-fashioned values. An unexpected benefit is to realize the capability that is the result of these.

CourthouseExchangeWhile in Independence, check out the Court House Exchange. In business for over a century, its current location is in a vintage basement below a storefront on the town square. Great for lunch or Happy Hour with picturesque local Independence flavor!

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using CheapOAir, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to TripAdvisor.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

Filed Under: Missouri, Travel Tagged With: David McCullough

Comments

  1. Patriot Politics (@TAKINGNOTICE) says

    September 24, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Via PassingThru: The Truman Home: Another White House http://t.co/c9cnDUPg #li #travel #freedom

    Reply
  2. Patriot Politics (@TAKINGNOTICE) says

    September 24, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Via PassingThru: The Truman Home: Another White House http://t.co/c9cnDUPg #li #travel #freedom

    Reply
  3. betsywuebker (@betsywuebker) says

    September 24, 2012 at 9:17 am

    The Truman Home: Another White House http://t.co/TZHG8W8B

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Roger Mickelson’s History Today 5/8/14 | Sandia Tea Party says:
    May 8, 2014 at 8:53 am

    […] The Truman Home: Another White House […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Aloha! We’re Betsy and Pete Wuebker. We traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited almost 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, we can help you refine your bucket list!

Here’s to a happier, travel-centered life!

Top 7 Relatively Unknown National Parks You Have to Visit

Bucket List Ideas

  • Things You Will Learn About Yourself While Walking the Camino de Santiago
  • 10 Unmissable Attractions in Bhutan
  • Oktoberfest Getaway in Munich: Top Tips Ensure the Best Oktoberfest Plan for the Famous Munich Beer Festival

More Bucket List Ideas

Privacy Policy

Click here for PassingThru’s Privacy Policy.

Disclosure

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Click here for PassingThru’s complete Disclosure Policy.

Copyright © 2022 Passing Thru · Designed by Blue Sun Studio, Inc. on Genesis · Log in