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 Harry S. Truman is recognized by historians, authors, world leaders and citizens across the country as one of the greatest American presidents ever. During your Independence visit, you can learn about the life behind this incredible man. A failed farmer and haberdasher, a memorable military career and a hometown boy with middle-America ideas and ethics, Harry Truman was Independence. And Independence IS Harry Truman. Walk through his neighborhood, stop into the soda fountain on historic Independence Square where he had his first job, and see the sites where this international leader met his wife, went to school, had an occasional glass of whiskey and played penny-stakes poker. Don't miss the Truman Presidential Museum & Library, Truman Home and the little known but very surprising Truman Courtroom and Office. It's all in historic Independence, MO.
 Experience the eventful and triumphant life of America's 33rd President. Permanent museum attractions include Harry S. Truman: The Presidential Years, an exhibit featuring two decision theaters, audio and video programs and artifacts to engage visitors in the issues and events surrounding the Truman Presidency. Harry S. Truman: His Life and Times, focuses on his pre and post presidency and includes 10 audio visual stations and a children's area. The museum also offers a replica of the Oval Office, an Academy Award winning film by Charles Guggenheim and a gift shop.
500 W. Highway 24,
816-268-8200
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 a.m. Mon.-Sat.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs (May-September); Noon-5 p.m. Sun., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Cost: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3 ages 6-15, under 6 free
www.trumanlibrary.org
 The Truman Home, located at 219 N. Delaware, offers a glimpse at the personal life of the 33rd President of the US. Beautiful in its uncluttered commonness, the Truman Home showcases the simple life Truman and his beloved Bess enjoyed in Independence before and after his presidency. Tours run every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at the Truman Home Ticket Center on the day of the tour. No advance reservations. Groups are limited to 8 people. Visitors also enjoy a visit to the Truman Home Ticket Center with free audio visual show depicting the President's life and the interior of his stately home. www.nps.gov/hstr
Open:
Memorial Day-Labor Day, 7 days/week, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Labor Day-Memorial Day, closed Mondays
Tour of home: 9 a.m.-5 a.m. (8 people every 15 minutes)
$4 adults, ages 15 and under free.
A visit to the Truman Home Ticket Center is a great way to learn more about the personal life of Independence's favorite son. A free 12 minute audio-visual show, rotating exhibits and bookstore make this a popular stop for visitors.
Main & Truman Road (223 North Main)
 The Jackson County Courthouse, which houses the restored office and courtroom Truman occupied as county judge in 1933, stands at the center of Historic Independence Square. A 35-minute audio-visual show in the courtroom highlights Truman's rise to power.
Located on Independence Square
(816) 252-7454
Open: 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tues-Fri
Open by advance reservation for groups.
Admission: $2 adults; $1 students, under 5 free.
 In 1926, the Truman Memorial Building was erected as a tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I. Former captain of Battery D, Harry S. Truman led the campaign to have the monument built. Dedication ceremonies for this Neo-Georgian styled monument were held on July 4, 1926.
After 71 years of serving the community, Truman Memorial building was renovated and re-dedicated in 2002. Today it continues to serve the residents of Independence as a polling place, recreation center, and war memorial. It contains meeting and banquet space for 10-325 people and houses an auditorium/gymnasium with a capacity of over 1,000 spectators. For conferences, a classroom setting or a boardroom for large committee meetings can be provided.
416 West Maple
(816)325-7843
Open: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Sunday
Open extended hours for rentals and special events.
1111 W. Pacific Avenue
This was the final stop in Truman's 1948 Whistlestop Campaign and was where 8,500 admirers welcomed Truman when he returned home after leaving office. It is an Amtrak stop and home to the Jackson county Genealogical Society.
12301 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Grandview, Mo.
(Approximately a half mile west of U.S. 71)
(816) 254-9929
Farm home hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri, Sat. and Sun., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Farm grounds open dawn to dusk all year for self-guided tours.. A seasonal book selection is offered during summer.
Admission to Truman Farm Home Entrance to the farm home is by ranger-led tours only. Tours start every half hour, last a half hour and are limited to six people, including children. Admission is $4; ages 15 and under free, but all tour members must acquire a ticket on the south porch of the house. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. The first tour starts at 9 a.m.; last tour starts at 4 p.m. Only a few tickets are issued each day, so arrive early.
Clinton's Soda Fountain and Gifts is the site of Harry Truman's first job. A visit to Clinton's is a great way to learn more about the early life of this fascinating leader.
100 W. Maple 816-833-2046
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-thur, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri-Sat, Closed Sunday
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