WhistleStop Spring 2011

Spring 2011

TrumanLibrary.org

Bingham’s Missouri Opens at the Truman Library

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he Truman Library’s wonderful new exhibition, Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, 1819-1879, opened with much acclaim on March 10. George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, which was organized in commemoration of the bicentennial of the birth of the renowned artist, is composed of an excellent collection of Bingham portraits, paintings, drawings and prints on loan from a number of prestigious institutions including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the St. Louis Museum of Art, the State Historical Society of Missouri, the National Archives, as well as from private collectors.

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Special Events

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Wild About Harry!

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Education

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Library Happenings

The exhibit also includes documents, artifacts, and manuscripts documenting early Missouri statehood that are drawn from the Truman Library’s holdings, and a number of lending institutions and personal collections. These interesting personal items and artifacts complement and add richness to the exhibition’s exploration of Missouri’s early history. In addition, the Truman Library is offering an array of public and educational programs in conjunction with the exhibition throughout the year. Combined, these special programs will increase students, museum visitors and event attendees’ knowledge of Missouri history, the Civil War Era, and the profound effect they both had on Kansas City and Harry Truman.

The exhibition, thanks in part to the state-wide publicity it has received, is proving to be as popular as expected. Since its opening, 10,655 visitors have toured the exhibit. It has also been an attractive field trip choice for local schools, with 6,869 students having viewed the exhibit.

The highlight of the exhibit is a 6 by 8 foot masterpiece, “Order No. 11, Martial Law,” Bingham’s most famous painting. Traveling outside of Columbia for the first time in fifty years, the painting is on loan from the State Historical Society of Missouri. Painted in 1870, the scene shows the tragic enforcement of an order of martial law issued by Union commander Thomas Ewing following the raid on Lawrence, Kansas by Quantrill’s raiders.

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The Civil War and Order No. 11’s Impact On President Truman’s Family

T Solomon Young

Mary Jane, Harriet and Harrison Young

he special exhibition, “Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, 1819-1879,” is offered in part to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. As it explores Missouri’s early history through the artwork of Bingham, it can’t avoid touching on Missouri’s pivotal Civil War heritage - and the profound effect the conflict had on Kansas City and, more importantly, Harry Truman. In fact, Bingham’s most famous painting, Order No. 11, depicts the forced removal of Western Missouri residents, which included Truman’s family, from their homes and farms.

President Truman’s maternal grandparents - Solomon and Harriet Young - were on the front lines of some of the Civil War’s most brutal actions. In 1861, their home located southeast of Kansas City, was struck by disaster. With Solomon gone traveling and Harriet alone with the children at the homestead, the Kansas “Redlegs,” attacked and pillaged the family farm – slaughtering hogs, shooting animals for fun, burning down barns, taking food, feather beds, family silver, and anything of value. Harriet made a formal claim of her losses, stating that the total loss on the Young farm amounted to $21,442 (present day, a quarter of a million dollars).

The most horrific acts, however, were to follow. In an effort to determine the location of Solomon, the Kansans took fifteen-year-old Harrison and coiled a rope around his neck - placing the other end over a tree. They then threatened to hang him if he didn’t tell his father’s whereabouts.

Harrison told the truth, but unfortunately the Redlegs weren’t convinced. The men clutched the rope, stretching his neck, while taunting Harrison with repeated inquiries. Ultimately, Harrison Young had his “neck stretched” by these raiders not once, but three times. Due to these hangings, Harrison had permanent scars on his neck. The final injury came when Harriet and her six children were forced from their farm and incarcerated in a Union camp in Kansas City because of their southern sympathies.

Due to these and other incidents, Truman’s family harbored a life - long dislike of Abraham Lincoln, Kansas and the Union. Harriet, Truman’s grandmother, was understandably bitter due to the actions of the “Kansas Marauders.” On one occasion, Truman visited his mother while in his blue Missouri National Guard uniform. When his grandmother saw this, she said, “Harry, that’s the first time since those Kansas Redlegs burned my house that a uniform of that color has been in this house - and don’t you bring it back.” Remembering the story Harry Truman said, “And I didn’t!”

President Truman - echoing the family’s feelings - strongly defended the actions William Quantrill and his raiders took against Kansas. “They weren’t marauders…the only marauders came from Kansas, the Redlegs, who came over here and burned the towns…and stole the stock…and all the implements…and everything that was loose. The people who went back over there went on account of the fact that they had to teach the Kansans what it felt like to have their property stolen.”

Solomon Young’s loyality oath to the Union. The oath is on display in the Bingham exhibit, courtesy of the National Archives in Washington D.C.

On another occasion, President Truman exhibited the family’s dislike of the North when he told the story of Harrison’s hanging, “They tried to make my uncle Harrison into an informer, but he wouldn’t do it. He was only a boy...They tried to hang him, time and again they tried it, ‘stretching his neck,’ they called it, but he didn’t say anything. I think he’d have died before he’d said anything. He’s the one I’m named after, and I’m happy to say that there were people...around at the time who said I took after him.”

Please make plans now to visit the Truman Library to see “Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri.” The exhibit is now on display through September 8, 2011.

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Special

Guests From Around the Nation

Dear Harry, Love Bess Clifton Truman Daniel shared insights from his new book Dear Harry, Love Bess during his recent visit to the Truman Library. Daniel humored the audience with stories of his childhood antics while visiting his grandmother Truman. Included in this newly released book are never before seen letters, family photos, and commentary from the personal lives of Harry and Bess Truman. A book signing and reception followed the program. Books are for sale in the Library gift shop, and can be ordered by calling 816-268-8261.

126th Birthday

A Visit With Mr. Hoover Allan Hoover III, the great grandson of former president Herbert Hoover, visited the Library in April. Allan was treated to a private tour of the Library by Ray Gaselbracht.

He also joined Clifton Truman Daniel and Institute Board members for lunch.

Truman Legacy Society Breakfast Thirty five Honorary Fellows, volunteers, and friends recently attended a special Truman Legacy Society breakfast with Clifton Truman Daniel at the Truman Library on April 30. In addition to a delightful breakfast, attendees had the opportunity to speak with Clifton, and then tour the museum. “I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit with these friends – I always enjoy talking to others who share my fondness for grandpa. The Truman Library is lucky to have so many friends and supporters with their own personal ‘Truman stories’ to tell.”

Commemoration of Bess Truman The Truman Library, joined by the Independence Pioneer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, hosted former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in commemoration of the 126th birthday of former First Lady Bess Wallace Truman.

The program began at 4 p.m. on February 13 and was followed by a book signing and the annual Birthday Tea. The event sold out quickly, with more than 240 people in attendance.

Pictured left, a press conference with Mrs. Carter that was held before the event. All local network television stations covered the program, as did several representatives of the local press including the KC Star and the Independence Examiner.

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WildaboutHarry!

W ith more than 630 people in attendance, the 12th annual Wild about Harry celebration was held on April 28 at the Muehlebach Hotel in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Led by Event Chairs Nancy and Herb Kohn, and Honorary Co-Chairs Bert Bates and Ed Matheny, this WILDLY successful event raised $338,000 for the nationally acclaimed educational programs and museum exhibitions at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.

Nine-time, Emmy award-winning media personality, Phil Donahue, entertained the audience with his humorous comments and reflections on history, Harry Truman, his presidential library, and the current political Phil Donahue delivers the keynote adress. landscape.

“I’ve been to other presidential libraries, not all of them, but enough to know that the Truman Library is the gold standard. When you see what they’ve done here, you have to be awed by how creative they have been, and how they have exploited modern solid-state technology, so that Harry Truman almost comes alive…It’s not a museum…

It’s a living place. It’s a place where young people will be inspired.” - Phil Donahue

Thank You OVAL OFFICE UNDERWRITERS DST Systems, Inc. Nancy and Herb Kohn

Don and Barbara Potts, Clifton Truman Daniel, Shawsie Branton and Alice Miller

Don and Adele Hall, Barbara Nelson, David Nelson, Bill Nelson

Bryan Cave LLP Joy and Bert Bates Lathrop & Gage LLP Adele and Donald Hall Ann and Ed Matheny Husch Blackwell LLP

WEST WING UNDERWRITERS Laurie and Darrell Franklin

John Sherman, Julie and Pat Donnelly

More than 630 people attended the annual Wild About Harry event.

Photos By: Bruce Mathews and Kyle Rivas

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Inergy J. B. Reynolds Foundation The Sosland Foundation

Legacy

of Leadership Award STEERING COMMITTEE

Highlights

“What a tremendous recognition it is to receive this award tonight...There is no greater honor that I have received then to get the award named for one of Missouri’s finest citizens and our greatest President.” - Senator Kit Bond The Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award was established in 2010 by the Harry S. Truman Library Institute to honor America’s 33rd President and to recognize an individual who has a sustained and distinguished record of serving our nation and its democratic ideals.

Through the Legacy of Leadership Award, the Institute seeks to inspire all to seek paths of purpose and service.

The Truman Library Institute was honored to present the 2011 award to Senator Kit Bond, a great friend of the Truman Library, as well as the State of Missouri. Like President Truman, Senator Bond exemplifies service to his state and nation without regard for personal reward.

Mary Atterbury Shawsie Branton* Kirk Carpenter* Mary Coble Michele Crumbaugh* Dean Davison Patricia Davison Jill Dean* Ann Dickinson* Susie Evans Colleen Foudree* Laurie Franklin Sharon Greenwood Adele Hall* Donald Hall, Sr.* Cathy Hedlund Woodie Howgill Mary Hunkeler* Martha Immenschuh* Gretchen Jacobson Donna Katz

Nancy Lee Kemper * Kay Martin* Tom Martin* Bridget McCandless Maureen McMeel Robert Moore Barbara Nelson Bill Nelson Karen Pack Donna Pitman Barbara Potts* Cappy Powell* Margo Quiriconi Page Reed* Cathy Schultz Jeanne Sosland* Susan Spaulding* Jean Wagner* Eileen Weir* Polly Wolbach

* Designates past honorary and event chairs

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Educating Future Leaders First Home Educators Group Hosted at WHDC

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he Truman Library Institute’s flagship education program, the White House Decision Center (WHDC), welcomed a group of homeschooled students in December 2010 - the first since the program’s inception in 2001. “We felt the WHDC provided us a wealth of information on the Truman Presidency and were excited to tap into this valuable resource,” said Diana Huff, coordinator of the group. “We had 30 students, five parents, an 88 year-old WWII Veteran, and a Korean War veteran participate in the Korean War scenario. It was a wonderful experience to share with our students.”

The White House Decision Center continues to be a popular program for students of all ages. In addition to the homeschooled students, a dozen other non-traditional student groups

took part in the program – including university students, corporate employees and officers from Ft. Leavenworth’s Command and General Staff College. The total participation for these groups during the 2010-2011 school year equaled 370; with an additional 5,000 traditional students from local schools also experiencing one of the four WHDC modules. This year also saw the WHDC pass a major milestone – more than 50,000 students have now participated in the program since it was created ten years ago!

“The Bus Stops Here” Field Trip Grant Program

In response to the recent economic downturn’s negative impact on local school districts’ budgets, the Truman Library Institute decided to underwrite the participation costs of our two core programs - guided Museum tours and the White House Decision Center - for any qualifying school that wanted to come to the Truman Library but could not because of funding issues. This new program, aptly called “The Bus Stops Here” Field Trip Grant Program, has helped reverse declining student participation in the White House Decision Center and in Museum tours. During the first school year of its existence, 2009-10, the Institute provided the funds necessary for 3,310 students to visit the Truman Library. This year, an estimated 4,600 students will receive scholarships and visit the Truman Library to participate in our two core education programs.

The Truman Library Institute is extremely grateful to the individuals, corporations and foundations that have supported this initiative with their generous contributions.

Over 480 Students Participate in National History Day

On March 5, the Truman Library and Museum welcomed over 480 students for the regional National History Day Competition (NHD). This marked the largest student participation ever in a Truman Library hosted NHD event, and was also this year’s largest regional competition in the state of Missouri. Six students from Greater Kansas City, who received training from Truman Library Institute Education Director Mark Adams and competed at the Truman Library on March 5, placed first or second in the state competition and qualified to compete in the national finals.

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New Interactive Exhibitry In the Truman Working Office

On May 8, the Truman Library revealed new permanent exhibitry in the recently renovated Truman Working Office Gallery. This interactive exhibit includes video, audio clips, and photographs featuring President Truman’s activities at the Truman Library, including his interactions with notable visitors. It also highlights compelling items in his office, such as Truman’s impressive book collection, special gifts and other unique objects.

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Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony

he annual Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring President Truman’s birthday took place at the Truman Library on May 8. Guests gathered in the courtyard with Independence Mayor Don Reimal and Library Director Mike Devine. Laying the ceremonial wreath at the grave site were Fort Leavenworth Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr., Combined Arms Center Special Troops Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Thomas A. Bayer II, and CAC Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Johndrow.

Kauffman Foundation Grants Institute $1 Million

The Truman Library Institute received a $1 million grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Legacy Fund in support of its existing educational programs and several exciting new initiatives – including a scholars project focused on the Marshall Plan and an expansion of its partnership with the Kansas City Public Library. “The Truman Library Institute represents a vitally important resource in our community,” said Carl Schramm, Kauffman Foundation president and CEO. “This Legacy Fund grant highlights our commitment to helping this fine organization expand its reach and impact, bringing new historical and cultural programs to community members throughout our region.”

“We are very pleased to be able to work with the Kauffman Foundation on such a wonderful project,” said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute. “This grant will allow us to continue providing local students with access to the wonderful resources and experiences that are available only at the Truman Library, while also allowing us to expand our efforts to advance President Truman’s legacy via new programs and new partnerships.”

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NEW HONORARY FELLOWS We would like to recognize the following individuals and organizations that have joined the Honorary Fellows since October 1, 2010.

His Excellency Christian Bertelson Mr. and Mrs. Nick Burke Mr. and Mrs. Bret Capranica Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Clemons Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Dalton Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Donnelly Mr. and Mrs. Richard Downey Mr. and Mrs. Terry N. Dunlap Mr. and Mrs. Sam Enna Mr. George Ewing, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Figler Ms. Eve Finley Mr. Jeffrey Firestone Mr. and Mrs. Allan Hallquist Mr. Darwin Harris Dr. and Mrs. Larry J. Hasse Miss Elise Hill

Mr. Robert Hite Mr. Allan Hoover Mr. and Mrs. Bill Huls Mr. William D. Kinsella Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Koechner Mr. Larry LaVoie Professor Alfred L. Lorenz, Jr. Ms. Winda Lovett Mr. and Mrs. Larry Lund Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Marsh Ms. Carol Marshall Mr. Dan Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Reid Nickish Mr. Kevin Nickle Ms. Sheri Nove Mr. Ronald H. Oetting Mr. Steven D. Patton

Mr. Scott Perkins Ms. Amanda Powell Mr. and Mrs. Mark F. Prosser Ms. Elizabeth C. Raine Mr. and Mrs. Brian Richmeier Mr. Richard Rosman Mr. Mike Ryan Ms. Linda Bray and Mr. Peter Sandstrom Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Thomas Ms. Kristin Trandahl Mr. and Mrs. Del Vanderploeg Mr. and Mrs. Lysle Weeks Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wehrli Westwood Women’s Club Mr. and Mrs. Jack C. Williams Mr. and Mrs. John Yocum

Fourth Annual

Members Night at the Museum THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011 5 - 7 p.m. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Join us

Atrium | Special Events Entrance (East Parking Lot)

at the Truman Library from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 for the Fourth Annual Members Night at the Museum. This exclusive wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will include a private tour of the acclaimed special exhibition “Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, 1819-1879,” with the Museum’s Curator, Clay Bauske. The exhibit features more than 30 of Bingham’s drawings and paintings, including his most famous work, “Order No. 11.” You won’t want to miss this “Members-Only” event, which will also include a tour of the interactive exhibit recently added to the Truman Working Office Gallery. To renew your membership or RSVP, contact Kim Rausch (816-268-8237 or kim.rausch@nara.gov).

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MEMBERSHIP PLUS! We would also like to recognize the following individuals who have increased their level of membership support since October 1, 2010.

Mr. Byron T. Adams Mr. Frank W. Adams Ms. Joan Alders Mr. and Mrs. William L. Allen Mr. Donald D. Anderson Mr. Eric Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Sigmund Balka Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bates Mr. Robert M. Beren Mr. and Mrs. David Blanchard Mr. Charles E. Blankenship Mr. Robert Brennand Mr. Walter C. Bridgewater Mr. Jeffrey Bruns Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cable Mr. and Mrs. James C. Callinan Ms. Sandy Campbell Mr. Kirk W. Carpenter* Mr. Earl K. Cavanah Mr. and Mrs. John Cianciolo Trooper and Mrs. Albert Curley Mr. and Mrs. Jack L. Daddona Col. Kenneth P. Davis (Ret.) Ms. Abby Day Mr. and Mrs. Rudy De Leon Mr. and Mrs. William W. Deacon Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Decker Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Deluce Mr. and Mrs. Leo D. Dickey Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Doering Mr. and Mrs. Alan Edelman Mr. John Ellena Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Ferro Ms. Marjorie Finley Mr. and Mrs. Allen H. Green Ms. Marty Greene and

Mr. Jack E. Casper, Jr.

Ms. Louise Greenfield Mr. C. Francis Hales Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Hargett Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Hawks Dr. and Mrs. Richard Hellman Mrs. Joyce Herman Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Herndon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Higgins, III Mr. and Mrs. Mike Jancek Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Kevin Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Kapell Professor and Mrs. Lawrence S. Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Sidney M. Karsh Mr. and Mrs. Kurt L. Killen Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. Klein Mr. Charles H. Kopke Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Lappin Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lindback Dr. and Mrs. Edwin T. Long Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Massman, IV Miss Connie C. McQuain Mr. and Mrs. Whitney F. Miller Mr. Joseph W. Morris Mr. and Mrs. James C. Noonan David and Diane O’Hagan * Mr. Kent I. Palmer Drs. Lillian and Manuel Pardo Mr. and Mrs. Emory C. Parks Mr. and Mrs. H. Scott Peck Mr. and Mrs. Earl C. Pierce Mr. and Mrs. Michael Poland Dr. Alice M. Purdes Mr. David A. Rubio Dr. and Mrs. Michael E. Scheibach Mr. Jonathan J. Seagle Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Seat Mr. and Mrs. J. Stan Sexton

Dr. Ellen Sheridan Mr. Lindsey E. Shull Mr. Timothy Shull Mr. and Mrs. Dale M. Sienicki Mr. Robert P. Sigman The Hon. and Mrs. Thomas E. Sims, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Max J. Skidmore Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Slabotsky Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Smith Dr. and Mrs. Wilber B. Spalding, Jr. Mr. John A. Stern Mr. and Mrs. R. James Stilley, Jr. Mrs. Karen Kirtley Stubbs Dr. and Mrs. Kent R. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Van Vacter Mr. George P. Viegelmann, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Villalva Mr. and Mrs. Stan Volpe Dr. and Mrs. Paul L. Webb, II Mr. and Mrs. Karl W. Welch Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Whitcomb Mrs. Lana White Mrs. Jean L. Whitener Mr. and Mrs. Don Willcoxon Dr. Betty H. Winfield and

Dr. Barry Hyman Mr. John L. Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woolrich Ms. H. Irene Wyatt Mr. and Mrs. Harry D. Young Ms. Sarah Young *Designates Buck Stops Here Society members

The Honorary Fellows and Buck Stops Here Society are membership pro-

grams which provide annual support for the educational programs, outreach efforts, and museum exhibitions at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. Membership benefits include free admission to all of the presidential libraries, special invitations and exclusive opportunities throughout the year.

If you have any questions regarding your membership benefits, would like to receive information concerning the Buck Stops Here Society or Honorary Fellows, or would like to increase your level of support and be recognized in the next issue of the Whistle Stop, please contact Kim Rausch, director of development, at (816) 268-8237 or kim.rausch@nara.gov.

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Permit No. 2519

Member-supported nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum Advancing the enduring legacy and presidential library of America’s 33rd President

Harry S. Truman Library and Museum TrumanLibrary.org 800-833-1225 | 816-268-8200

Board of Directors

Clifton Truman Daniel, HONORARY CHAIRMAN Mary Hunkeler, CHAIR

MUSEUM HOURS Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

John J. Sherman, VICE CHAIR Roger A. Novak, VICE CHAIR and TREASURER Herbert M. Kohn, SECRETARY

EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS Thursdays, May – September, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

MUSEUM ADMISSION $8 adults; $7 seniors 65+ $3 youth 6-15; 0-5 FREE Truman Library Institute members admitted free.

Group discounts available.

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T h e Tr u m a n L i b r a r y I n s t i t u t e

Truman Library Institute

Carol Anderson Alan L. Atterbury Carolyn Caldwell Kirk W. Carpenter John A. Dillingham Charles M. Foudree Sam F. Hamra Mary Ann Heiss Mary C. Johnston Allen L. Lefko Kenneth B. McClain Thomas R. McGee, Jr. John P. McMeel

Larry L. McMullen James B. Nutter, Jr. Cappy P. Powell Page Branton Reed Ike Skelton Beth K. Smith Elizabeth T. Solberg Charles S. Sosland James W. Symington Maurice A. Watson Michael J. Devine Ex Officio

Alex Burden, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL John C. Danforth Richard A. Gephardt Walter Isaacson Michael J. Johnston