FA L L 2019 A DVA N C I N G P R E S I D E N T T R U M A N ’ S LI B R A RY A N D LE G ACY
PREVIEW
CELEBR ATE
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A museum transformation in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Truman’s presidency. 8
Dignitaries and supporters gather to break ground for the renovation. 21
Mark your calendar for exciting, high-profile speakers and events this fall. 23
TRU MAGAZINE CONTENTS “Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.� - Harry S. Truman
HIGHLIGHTS 7 Why Truman? Why Now? David Von Drehle shares why the world needs Truman now more than ever.
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Truman Transformation
Informing, inspiring, educating, and engaging a 21st-century audience.
COVER: Former President Truman breaking
ground for the Harry S. Truman Library at Slover Park in Independence, Missouri on May 8, 1955.
12 A Tour Through the New Truman Library Twelve galleries of hands-on interactives, multimedia experiences, and improved storytelling.
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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT TRUMAN’S GR ANDSON When the Truman Library was completed in 1957, my grandfather moved into his new office there. It overlooked the central courtyard and the spot he had chosen as his and my grandmother’s final resting place. When she asked him why he’d chosen that spot, he joked that it if he felt like working after he was gone, he could get up and walk to his office. She was not amused. During the early years, he worked there almost every day. He wrote, met friends, answered correspondence and walked the halls. Years ago, I met a lady who said when she and her family visited the Library during that era, they asked a docent if President Truman was around. “Why, yes. He is,” she said, then promptly brought him out to say hello. The Library closed earlier this year for a major transformation. Plans include a new entrance with a two-story atrium and a much-needed update to the exhibits, which will make use of the latest scholarship on the Truman era and the best technology to bring the story to life. When renovations are complete, my grandfather will be back in residence, at least in spirit. The exhibits will reflect the man: his strengths and weaknesses, quirks and qualities that helped him lead this country through one of the most consequential periods in world history. “Truman the human,” they called him when he visited Key West. Strong-willed, hardworking, straightforward, accessible and empathetic, qualities born, maybe even invented, in the heart of Missouri. I give lectures on my grandfather, and people often ask afterward what I think was his most significant accomplishment. They expect me to say the Marshall Plan, ending the war in the Pacific, the Truman Doctrine or the Berlin Airlift. But this is my answer: Harry Truman’s most significant accomplishment is to remind us that a middle-class American, a farmer, a citizen soldier, a small businessman, can rise to the highest office in the land and do a better job than almost anybody else. We have received extraordinary support to date for this important project. We ask the community to continue to embrace my grandfather’s legacy by supporting the renovation. Clifton Truman Daniel Eldest Grandson of President Truman Honorary Chair of the Truman Library Institute’s Board of Directors
Design: Design Ranch Photographers: Mark McDonald, David Riffel Send comments, requests, and changes of address to: Truman Library Institute | 816.400.1220 5151 Troost Ave., Ste. 300 | Kansas City, MO 64110 info@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org | Visit us online at TrumanLibraryInstitute.org TRU is published for friends and members of the Truman Library Institute.
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TRU MAGAZINE
TRU LETTERS
Thank you for helping make possible the meeting of the Aspen Ministers Forum in Kansas City and Independence. It was incredibly meaningful to have President Truman’s legacy guide us through our discussions about the future of international cooperation. We covered many topics during this session, including the continued threat of extreme nationalism, the path for NATO and other key institutions, and the ongoing battle between unilateralism and multilateralism. While many have lost faith in international institutions, I remain hopeful. Our group is uniquely well positioned to tackle these obstacles and ensure the free world built during Truman’s time continues for the next generation. Although our discussions were incredibly rich and productive, I feel that one of the most important things we accomplished was showing this group the very best of America. Between their visits to the Truman Library, the Nelson-Atkins Museum and the World War I Museum, the ministers came away deeply impressed by your city’s pride in its history, dedication to the community and commitment to its future. Many thanks, again, for your work and opening your wonderful community to our group. Dr. Madeleine K. Albright 64th U.S. Secretary of State
“We are excited for what the future holds for the Truman Presidential Library and for the future generations who will be impacted by President Truman’s great legacy.” - George and Rebecca Bryant
I was in the same Army outfit in World War II that President Truman was in World War I. Because of that, I was chosen to be his Honor Guard at the Potsdam Conference at the end of World War II in Europe.
Thank you for supporting us. Our families certainly appreciated the opportunity for this no cost field trip due to The Bus Stops Here grant funding.
We met in a beautiful building for two hours at a time. I was standing 12 feet away from the table of President Truman, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. The conference lasted almost two weeks.
Becky Welch Fourth Grade Teacher William Bryant Elementary, Blue Springs, MO
I am 97 years old, and last year I went back to retrace my steps, from leading men in the Battle of the Bulge all the way to the Elbe River. I am so proud of this experience and have been honored many times and have told my experiences many times. Forrest Strickler World War II Veteran | Bella Vista, Arkansas
I just wanted to express how much I appreciated being able to bring my 4th grade students to the Truman Library and Museum. We enjoyed our tour, and the students were so happy to hear in person so many of the facts about Truman that we had read in our biography study. We added to our knowledge and appreciated the dedicated docents that took care of us. It really was a blessing to be able to have our group divided into three smaller class groups for the extra attention.
With respect and admiration for all you do.
Thank you all for throwing a fantastic and historic party for the 100th wedding anniversary of President and Mrs. Truman on June 28. This was a beautiful and moving event, and it was an honor to be a part of this ceremony along with the Independence community. Our champagne glasses along with the program have a special place in our home. We are proud to be new members of the Truman Library Institute. We wish you a great year with renovation of the Library. We are excited for what the future holds for the Truman Presidential Library and for the future generations who will be impacted by President Truman’s great legacy. George and Rebecca Bryant Truman Library Institute Members Wichita Falls, TX
Write to TRU Magazine: We want to hear from you! Submit your letter to TRU Magazine by emailing info@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org or writing to TRU Magazine, Truman Library Institute, 5151 Troost Ave., Ste. 300, Kansas City, MO 64110.
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New Board Members The Truman Library Institute’s Board of Directors welcomed two new members to its ranks earlier this year: Charlotte L. Kemper, Foundation Office Director of Commerce Bank, and Patrick Ottensmeyer, President and CEO of Kansas City Southern. Thank you to the entire board of directors, who work tirelessly throughout the year to oversee and provide direction for the Truman Library Institute.
Henry W. Bloch (1922-2019) Henry W. Bloch (1922-2019) 96, passed away in Kansas City on April 23, 2019. Mr. Bloch was a graduate of Southwest High School in Kansas City and the University of Michigan. His distinguished World War II service included 32 combat missions as a navigator on a B-17 bomber in Europe for which he earned the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious service. His unit received a Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. In 1955, Henry and his brother Richard cofounded H&R Block. Over the course of more than 50 years, H&R Block grew to become the largest commercial tax preparation service company in the world. In addition to their long-time philanthropic support of the Truman Library Institute and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Henry and his late wife, Marion, also generously supported numerous other civic initiatives in Greater Kansas City that included the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Henry Bloch School of Management, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s Bloch Building, and Saint Luke’s Hospital’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute. In 2012, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation was formed to build on the couple’s vision and values to improve the quality of life in their hometown. Henry served on the Truman Library Institute’s Board of Directors from 1999-2005 and as an Honorary Trustee since his retirement from the Board in September 2005.
Morton I. Sosland (1925-2019) Morton I. Sosland (1925-2019) 93, passed away in Kansas City on April 25, 2019. Mr. Sosland was a graduate of Southwest High School in Kansas City and Harvard University. He began his World War II military service in the horse cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas., and was assigned to the 13th Armored Division, Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, which went to Europe soon after the invasion of France and ended the war near Salzburg, Austria. Morton joined Sosland Publishing Company in 1947. Active as a publisher and editor for most of his 72 years with the company, he also created and wrote much of the editorial page for several of the company magazines. Community involvement was of major importance to Morton and his family. The Sosland Foundation was started in 1950 and while the foundation has been an important instrument for family giving, Morton also learned early, and practiced, that personal giving was equally important. In addition to their long-time philanthropic support of the Truman Library Institute and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Morton and his family have supported numerous other civic, arts, and nonprofit organizations that include The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Midwest Research Institute, and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, as well as Kansas City’s Jewish community. He served on the Institute’s Board of Directors from 1997-2005, and as an Honorary Trustee since his retirement from the Board in September 2005.
“I expect to continue the effort which I have been making as United States Senator to help shorten the war and win the peace under the direction of our great leader Franklin D. Roosevelt.� Truman Accepting the Vice Presidential Nomination on July 21, 1944.
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TRUMAN FOR VICE PRESIDENT
Seventy-five years ago this summer, Senator Harry S. Truman was nominated to be President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s running mate for an unprecedented fourth term. As the convention opened on July 19, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Democrats knew that they were not just picking a vice president; they were choosing a president-in-waiting. Days before the convention opened, Roosevelt was persuaded to add Truman to his ticket, but no one bothered to get a firm commitment from the Missouri senator. And Truman did not want it. When asked by a reporter why he hadn’t thrown his hat into the ring, Truman replied, “Hell, I don’t want to be President.” On the third day of the convention, Roosevelt called Robert Hannegan, a St. Louis politician, future chairman of the Democratic National Convention, and liaison between the president and the senator. When Roosevelt learned that Truman’s allegiance had not yet been solidified, he fumed, “Tell him that if he wants to bust up the Democratic party in the middle of the war, that’s his responsibility.” Stunned, Truman agreed to be his running mate. When Truman won the nomination, his acceptance speech lasted less than a minute, “I accept this honor with all humility. I thank you.” On a cold January 20, 1945, Truman took the oath of office as vice president. During his 82 days in the position, he presided over the Senate, but only met with the President two more times.
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WHY TRUMAN WHY NOW “The full stature of this man will only be proven by history.” - George C. Marshall
The list of Harry S. Truman’s difficult and world-shaping decisions is extremely long. Assuming the presidency in the final months of World War II, he inherited a worldwide catastrophe. The economies of Europe and Asia were in ruins. The empires that had shaped global order for centuries were crumbling. Tens of millions of people were homeless and stateless, stunned by grief, starving and bereft. At home, the abrupt reversion to a peacetime economy threatened a renewed depression. Truman shouldered the burden of leadership in a rudderless world. With courage, integrity, and humility, he vindicated the American conviction that an open society can produce leaders equal to any challenge. With swift, bipartisan action, Truman averted the worst famine in human history. Subsequent decisions created the post-war order — the United Nations, NATO and the Truman Doctrine, the international monetary system, the seeds of the World Court and European Union. Abroad and at home, Truman’s framework enabled the greatest expansion of freedom and prosperity in human history. In Stalin and Mao, he stood up to two of the most ruthless tyrants ever known. He risked his presidency to deliver crucial blows to Jim Crow, and supervised a sweeping modernization of the federal bureaucracy. Today, with chaos on the rise and the middle class endangered by rapid change, Truman’s vision and legacy are as important as ever. But Americans who were 15 years old when he abruptly took office are now nearly 90. Firsthand memory is fading, even as Truman settles firmly on historians’ lists of America’s greatest presidents—along with Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and the Roosevelts.
By David Von Drehle, Columnist for The Washington Post and member of the Truman Library Institute’s Board of Directors
It falls to the Truman Library and Truman Library Institute to expand appreciation of this Midwestern farm boy who never went to college, his remarkable rise and enduring character. Through the biography and achievements of Harry Truman, future generations will come to understand both the possibilities and the responsibilities of American citizenship. As Lyndon Johnson said of Harry Truman: “In praising him, we reaffirm the greatness of America.”
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THE TRUMAN LIBRARY’S TRANSFORMATION
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“Our renovation plans call for using the latest technology to illuminate the past while enlightening visitors from every generation.” - Alex Burden Institute Executive Director
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President Truman may have wondered what all the fuss was about. After all, the 33rd president wasn’t much into bells and whistles. But he certainly had a passion for progress. The world changed under his leadership, and now the Library bearing his name is undergoing a year-long transformation of its own. Even the walk from the parking lot will spark reactions when visitors catch their first glimpse of the stunning entrance to the new museum lobby. And from the moment they step inside, the story of Truman’s presidency will unfold in a riveting, multimedia journey unlike anything else within 1,000 miles of Kansas City. The $25-million renovation promises a leap forward in the visitor experience, along with a fascinating look back at Truman’s time in office. From one gallery to the next, the exhibition has something for every type of museum visitor – from browsers who enjoy skimming the surface to history buffs who prefer highly focused exhibits that take them deeper into the history of Truman’s life and legacy. “There’s been an evolution in the science behind creating an interactive museum,” Alex Burden, Truman Library Institute executive director, explains. “Our renovation plans call for using the latest technology to illuminate the past while enlightening visitors from every generation.” This technology will make it possible for visitors to see and hear from the President in newly digitized audio and video throughout the galleries. Truman occupied the Oval Office in a time that called for difficult decisions with enormous global consequences. The new permanent Truman exhibition is meant to show the significance of his contributions and the character of a man whose quiet leadership shaped the postwar liberal democratic order that defines today’s world. A massive fractured globe tells the story of that chaotic, post-WWII world. Inside the globe, educational stations will give visitors a closer look at the individual impacts of war. People will leave with a greater appreciation for who Truman was, but Library Director Dr. Kurt Graham says the museum was never meant to be a shrine to the great man. “It’s a classroom for democracy – a place to help young people, in particular, understand the significance of their government,” he says. An entire gallery is dedicated to teaching visitors how American government works using examples from Truman’s presidency, including how a bill becomes a law and the six key roles of the president as defined by Truman himself. “Visitors will hear from Truman in his own words, through audiovisual experiences unlike anything we were able to create before now, simply because we didn’t have the technology to make them accessible to the public,” Burden says. Modernized as the experience will be, the Library will remain an inviting atmosphere for learning, as Truman himself originally envisioned it. According to Clifton Truman Daniel, “My grandfather took his work seriously but he never took himself seriously. His humanity was always right on the surface, and the same is true of the Library. There’s a human being at the heart of this place, and it’s always easy to find.” Come see for yourself next fall, when the doors to the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Library and Museum reopen.
“I HOPE THAT THE EXHIBITS IN THIS LIBRARY WILL GIVE YOU, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG PEOPLE AMONG YOU, A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HISTORY AND THE NATURE OF THE PRESIDENCY AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.” - Harry S. Truman
Truman (center) at the Library construction site on April 21, 1956.
Sixty-two years after the Truman Library was dedicated and my grandfather first expressed his wishes for the Truman Library, I think he would be proud of the plans we’ve developed to reimagine his “presidential center.” Grandpa didn’t want his Library and Museum to be a monument to him. Instead, he envisioned it as a place where
people could learn about our democracy and the presidency. I know he’d like the idea that this renovation will do just that — keeping him, his times and his presidency alive for future generations.”
- Clifton Truman Daniel
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A TOUR THROUGH THE NEW TRUMAN LIBRARY
“Make no little plans. Make the biggest plan you can think of and spend the rest of your life carrying it out.” - Harry S. Truman In the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Truman created a dynamic educational center that nurtures leadership, spurs discussions about democracy, and inspires civil service. In recognition of the 75th anniversary of his presidency, the Truman Library and Truman Library Institute have developed a momentous plan to use Truman’s life and legacy to inform, inspire, educate, and engage a 21st-century audience at an increasingly critical time in our nation’s history starting with a new Truman permanent exhibition.
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OPENING FALL 2020
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Dr. Madeleine K. Albright accepting the Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award on May 2, 2019.
PRAISING TRUMAN
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“HARRY TRUMAN WAS BOTH A REMARKABLE PRESIDENT AND A REMARKABLE MAN. THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF THE TRUMAN LIBRARY INSTITUTE, FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL KNOW A WHOLE LOT MORE ABOUT ONE OF OUR GREATEST AMERICAN LEADERS.” - Dr. Madeleine K. Albright
20TH ANNUAL WILD ABOUT HARRY AND THE ASPEN MINISTERS FORUM More than 860 people gathered to celebrate 70 years of Truman’s global impact at the 20th annual Wild About Harry, which raised more than $575,000 for educational programs and exhibits at the Truman Library. The Truman Library Institute’s Board of Directors presented 64th Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine K. Albright with the Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award in recognition of her distinguished service to our nation and its democratic ideals as well as her foreign policy efforts, which embody the president’s legacy of seeking peace through democracy. The next day, Dr. Albright welcomed her former foreign minister counterparts from around the world to the Truman Library for the Aspen Ministers Forum, a weekend of roundtable discussions about important issues facing America and its role in the world. The Truman Library’s unique historical resources, exhibits, and educational programming, including the White House Decision Center, greatly enhanced the discussion and experience for all involved. The Forum also offered the ministers opportunities to experience the best that Independence and Kansas City has to offer: jazz, barbecue, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the National World War I Museum in addition to the Truman Library. The weekend was the culmination of a busy spring lineup of high-profile speakers honoring the legacy of our 33rd President.
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“I loved playing Harry Truman – it was certainly a great role to play. It’s hard not to get emotionally involved in the story of his journey, the story of a reluctant person who gets swept along by history and leads us through some of the most significant moments in American history.” - Gary Sinise
“OF THE 45 PRESIDENTS WE’VE HAD, FAR AND AWAY TRUMAN WAS THE BEST PRESIDENT WE EVER HAD. SPEAKING HERE TODAY IS ONE OF THE MOMENTOUS MOMENTS OF MY LIFE.” - Ken Langone
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“THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME TO PAY TRIBUTE TO A MAN TO WHOM THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND STATE OWE AN ETERNAL DEBT OF GRATITUDE.” - Ambassador Ron Dermer
An Evening with Gary Sinise A sold-out crowd of more than 1,100 people traveled from throughout the region to hear actor and author Gary Sinise discuss his latest book, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. Sinise was joined on stage by Washington Post columnist David Von Drehle for a captivating conversation about his acting career and how his roles inspired him to establish a foundation to benefit our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families. A Special Lunch Conversation with Ken Langone Business icon, Home Depot cofounder, and Harry Truman admirer, Ken Langone, discussed his book, I Love Capitalism: An American Story, at a special luncheon event. Wendy Guillies, President and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, introduced Langone who was interviewed by David Von Drehle. Their conversation had the crowd captivated, at times laughing and at times moved to tears, as Langone recounted the story of his journey from digging ditches and collecting used cardboard to billionaire, business icon, and world-class philanthropist. An Evening with Ambassador Ron Dermer A small group of Truman supporters and friends attended a private event featuring Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer. Dermer was in conversation with Dr. Kurt Graham, Director of the Truman Library, discussing Harry Truman’s decision to recognize the state of Israel in 1948 and his continuing legacy.
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TRUMAN LIBRARY GROUND BREAKING “Thousands and thousands of people will come here and visit this center, but it won’t be about the building. It will be about what’s inside the building. It will be about the values that one man from the state of Missouri represented to the whole country.” - Missouri Governor Mike Parson
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum’s year-long $25-million transformative renovation was kicked off with an official groundbreaking ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri on September 5. Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Archivist of the United States David Ferriero, Missouri State Senator John Rizzo, and the president’s eldest grandson Clifton Truman Daniel were among the featured speakers. Additional civic leaders in attendance included Missouri State Representative Bill E. Kidd, Independence Mayor Eileen Weir, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, and Jackson County Executive Frank White. In all, more than 125 friends, donors and Truman Library Institute board members joined JE Dunn Construction Company’s Chairman emeritus Bill Dunn, Sr., Truman Library director Kurt Graham, Institute Board Chairman Clyde Wendel and Institute Executive Director Alex Burden in commemorating a very special day that will be counted as one of the greatest in the history of the Truman Library. The September 5 ceremony drew local media attention with widespread coverage from Fox 4, KMBC, KCTV 5, and The Examiner. The Truman Library’s museum officially closed to the public on July 23 and is expected to reopen in the fall of 2020 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Truman presidency.
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WORLD WAR II VETERAN RENEWS VOWS WITH WIFE George and Rebecca Bryant traveled from Wichita Falls, Texas to participate in a vow renewal ceremony for Harry and Bess Truman’s 100th wedding anniversary. They had planned to make a trip to visit the Truman Library, and coordinated their visit around the anniversary and even became members of the Truman Library Institute for the event. “As soon as I read about the special way you were commemorating the 100th wedding anniversary of President and Mrs. Truman, I knew I wanted to make an effort for us to both attend,” Rebecca Bryant said. “What a special way for you to not only remember their wedding anniversary but give members of the community a chance to be a part of this special event and allow couples to say ‘I still do’ to one another!” George Bryant is a World War II veteran. He was drafted into the Army in 1945 and traveled to Austria to serve in the 42nd Infantry Division. He counts Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb as a decision that saved his life. When George visited the Truman Library, he brought a challenge coin, a memento he gives to other veterans he encounters. The coin is inscribed: “Thank you for your service. From a fellow veteran.” He laid one on President Truman’s gravesite in the Truman Library’s courtyard, in gratitude to his Commander in Chief.
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TRU EVENTS THE BENNETT FORUM ON THE PRESIDENCY Signature Event | November. 16, 2019 | 6 p.m. Program Who are America’s greatest presidents? Forty-five people have led the United States through both tumultuous and peaceful times. Which of these men are considered to be the most notable in our history? The question has long been debated by historians and the public alike. The panelists of this year’s Bennett Forum will tackle it in the next installment of the highly-anticipated program. Please join us for an insightful conversation as presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and former U.S. Senator Jeff Flake discuss the leadership and decision-making styles of our nation’s best presidents. Goodwin and Flake will also compare the current political climate with the challenges faced by some of our country’s top leaders — including, of course, Harry S. Truman. Reserve tickets today at TrumanLibraryInstitute.org/Bennett.
TRUMAN TRAVEL: WORLD WAR II TOUR OF GERMANY Travel Opportunity | June 3-13, 2020 Explore Munich to Berlin in a World War II tour of Germany with fellow history aficionados in honor of the 75th anniversary of the war. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is available exclusively for members of The Buck Stops Here Society ($1,000+ annual membership support) and will cost $3,600 (excludes air travel) per person based on double occupancy. Contact Kim Rausch at 816.400.1214 or Kim.Rausch@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org for additional information.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS MEMBER SUPPORT ADVANCES THE ENDURING LEGACY OF HARRY S. TRUMAN AND ENSURES THAT EDUCATION PROGRAMS, EXHIBITS, RESEARCH, AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO THRIVE.
Truman Legacy Society George A. Blansett, Jr. * Karen Devinki Pack
Buck Stops Here Society Donna and Arnold Brown Ann and J. Richard Franklin Rachel Krantz and Edward Goldstein Rosalee and David McCullough Rainy Day Books Vivien Jennings and Roger Doeren Sherman Family Foundation Karen Ball and\ David Von Drehle
Ambassador Level Patty and Steve Hargrave Lisa Creighton & Randall Hendricks Cathy and Terry Matlack Sue and Bert Trucksess
Diplomat Level Fareda and James Eddy Roger T. Hurwitz Daniel O’Neill Pascale and Jason Parker Sonjia and Brent Penny
Associate Level
Members make the difference. While the museum is closed for renovations, members can take advantage of free admission to all the presidential libraries in the National Archives system and sneak peeks of the Truman Library’s transformation. To learn more, and join today, call 816.400.1221 or visit TrumanLibraryInstitute.org/join.
Rebecca and George Bryant Jane and Del Campbell Bridget and Allen Cantrell Bowen Condon Jack Cooley Henry Dixon Beth and Douglas Hammer Whitney and Patrick Hosty Elizabeth and Larry Hunter-Blank Eric Jegen Adele B. Levi Helene Lotman and Frank Talman Janiece and Terry Meek Susan Morgenthaler Philip O’Brien Amber and Scott Rowson
Bitsy and Neil Sader Rita Leifhelm and Lonnie J. Shalton Amber Adams Stephen Sjolander Charles H. Stephanski Nancy and John Taylor Kathy and Patrick Townsend Nancy and David Wilhelm
Family Level Michelle Pal and Tony Albracht Barbara Ames Debra L. Anderson Stephen A. Bourque Caroline Arter Eileen Bangalan Kathy and Scot Batesel Josephine and David Belpedio Sue McCord and Irvin V. Belzer Stacy and Tyler Benson Vicky and Marshall Berol Steven Borgelt Sharon and Richard Brady Ki and David Brooks Douglas Christiana Bruening Dunlap Lee Ann and Paul Bruening Earl and Chris Burkett Barbara and David Burns Chris Butler and Rick Harkins Stephanie Cachero Shaun Henry Joni and Doug Carlson Fidelia and Henry Chamberlain Donna Cournoyer Robert Chamberland Eileen Cohen Sandy Cutler Sally and Gregory Davis Jael Dawson Bonnie DeGrood Steven Wickstrom Jodie Dietz and Shawn Hoffart Sarah and Scott Durocher John Elliott
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Judi Estes and Russ Swall Tom Eyen Rebecca and Ralph Faxon Karen and Cliff Ferrell Jackie and Scott Frager Piper Frazier Daniel Fry Phillip Fry Elizabeth and Joseph Gallelli Amy and Jeff Gallentine JoAnn and Tony Gastin Janice and John Girando Cindy and L. Mark Govea Virginia and Paul Greene Tracie and Nicholas Grube Gaurkee Laurie and Thomas Guest Gail and Allen Gutovitz Robyn Cohen Hannan Susan and Dave Harris Lona and Neil Harris Sherri and Kent Hartnett Patti and Ralph Headlee Amy and Blake Hedgecock Lacey and Jeff Helmig Sophie L. Rodecap Gary R. Hisle Susanne and Greg Hoffmann Mary Marshall and Michael Holladay Kathleen and Richard Honan Janet L. Horner and D. Kay Johnson Beth Ingram Mary Lou Jaramillo and Leo Gaffey Emily Johnson Darby and Brice Key Beverly and Dean Knox Ellen and Stephen Kort George H. Langworthy, Sr. Sharyn and Stephen Larson Les Lauber Anne and John Laun Debbi and Phillip Lehr Devra and Bruce Lerner Karen and Timothy Lindquist Jacquelyn London Diana and Kevin Maloney Terry and Kenneth Mann Cecilia Mariani Matthew McCurry Teresa and Lewis Mashburn Angela Pritchett Dennis Mayberry Julie and Shawn McCarty Judy and Michael McKee Anita McSorley and Pierre Majeau Debra Grieb and John Mickus Joan and Cush Miller Pamela and Kevin Miller Dorothy and Robert Mitchell Erin and Robley Moor Elizabeth Moran Joyce and Donald Moretina AJ and Rick Morris
Mary Ann Conroy Michael Mueller Mary and Dave Mullins Kathy and Patrick O’Neill Bonnie and Ray Olson Jean and Allen Parelman Rochelle and Jerald Pelofsky The Honorable Mike Pence Sue Raymond Sharon and Neil Bruce Reed Rebecca Replogle Michael Wilkes Carol and Richard Retrum Shawn Rizza Cindi and Jeff Rogers Joyce and Joshua Rogers Stephanie and Scott Rohr Jamie and Matt Ronan Antonia and Michael Roper Linda and Keith Rosewaren Donna and John Ryan Sandra Ryan Jeanna Sayles Cynthia and John Shaw John and Caitlin Shively Lynne Siegel and Lorne Harris Lucyna and Gregory Siemainowski Barbara and George Smyth Eileen Soloman Sarah Allen and Dan St. John Kathleen and William Stafford Satu and Daniel Stechschulte Esther and Stewart Stein Leslie and Richard Sullivan Jeffrey Swoyer Lois P. Thomson and Greg Boyle Susan and Larry Turner Patricia and Rodney Walsh Gladys Roann and Kent Watson Carol and David Webb Eileen and Tom Weir John White Janet and James Wiglesworth Phyllis and Fred Wilkins Angela and Joseph Windsor Barbara and Lewis Winkler Lorna Wright and Trish Reeves Teresa and Michael Young Paula G. and Patrick H. Zaiss
Basic Level Mary Abrams Diane Armijo and Jim Thomas Forbes Baker Leslie Ballerini Barbara Barickman-Meier Ronda Barker Darion Burgess and Bryan Beazley Kimberly and Gene Burnett Marsha and Jack Campbell Janet Linhart and Kurt A. Carlson
Amanda S. Cherry Susan and Larry Clausen Lynn and Terrence Coleman Suzanne and Robert Crain Joannine and George Crownover Georgia and Larry Davis Deborah Dawson Christine and Chester Dibble Becky and Gary Dickerson Tammy and John Dodderidge Margaret and Charles Doll Susan Dumay Wolfe Darvene Duvenci Elise and Kevin Fisher Derinda and Jeff Flanagan Betty Friedebach Andrea Garcia-Ruse James Garrison Phillip Gehm Suzanne Gough Taylor Gravett Wayne Hamlin Mary Harrison Judy and Mark Hastert Claudia and Mike Hawkins Debbie and Bob Hill Michael Hoey Sandra and James Holst Donna Hoopes Karen Hornig Jennifer Hunter Kathy Kegin Currie Nancy Kelly Waters and Joe Waters Suzanne and Chris Kenny Edward Kwong Judith Lanes Bertha Lang Charles Ledford Jane Liang Janis and Paul Lile Jenifer Lucas Ritchie Lynne Barbara MacLean and Chuck Davis Tricia and Josh Maxfield Julie McCollum Kathleen McGeeney Joyce and Grant McMurray Allison Woodland and Dillon Menzel Debra Doyle Michael Mestemaker Robynne and John Mieding Donna M. Miller and William Royce Melissa Miller and Alexander A. Miller Patrick J. Monks Daniel J. Morris Michelle Morse Jennifer Mulsow Paula Nassari Charlotte Olejko
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Donna and Mark Olson Emma Lou Owen Jo Anne and Alp Ozhan Lauren Palmer and Zach Walker Margot Patterson and Jamie Jackson Scott Perkins Susan Phalen Katherine L. Polcar Linda Prather and Hadley Turner Amanda K. Prier and Chris Stergos John Proctor Carolyn and Robert Reintjes Crystal and Jackie Rice Gertrude and Paul Roddick Beverlee Roper Kathie Klass and Daniel Rumelt Grace and Lyle Shaver Patricia Smith Jenny and Art Souder Herbert Spiegel Margaret and Robert Stephens Rachel Stratman and Quentin Lareau Jeffrey Stunja Darla and David Tate Sherolyn and Blake Thomas Mary Jane and Don Turnbow Jane VanSant Caran Walker Sandra and Chris Weininger Janice Wiberg and Will Thackeray Elizabeth Williams Doris and R. Dean Williams Michele L. Wilson Paula and Perry Woolard Julie Wright Sara Youngblood and Jim Eschrich Kathryn and Aaron Yuen
Student/Teacher Robin Basquette Candie S. Campbell Mari Beth French Ron Geiser Stacey Hodges Alan Holiman L. Austyn Hughes Larry Hughes Casey Johnston Ava Krouse Ian Lovestock Megan Montgomery Howard Munson Mary Nichols Debbie O’Renick Anne Owen Mark Rodriguez Diane Sodders Dawn Wade New members since July 2019.
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TRU MAGAZINE
FALL 2019
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“Your statement about leaving something to the institution hit me where I live. It is my ambition to make the center for the study of the Presidency.” Truman to Whiteway
On January 21, 1959, Harry Truman pulled out a piece of stationary from the desk in his office at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. A prolific writer, Truman always concerned himself more with the contents of the letter than the paper it was written on; in this case, the stationary was from his office in the Federal Reserve Bank Building in downtown Kansas City. The letter of thanks was addressed to Mr. Stanley E. Whiteway of Secane, Pennsylvania. Whiteway had made a generous gift to the Truman Library Institute, the donor-supported, nonprofit partner of the Truman Library founded by the President himself. It was the first of many planned gifts that the Truman Library Institute was to receive. In the letter, Truman thanked Whiteway for leaving a part of his legacy not to the preservation of Truman’s presidency but to the preservation of the legacy of the American Presidency. Truman desired to establish a library and museum that told the real history of the “World’s Greatest Government” from the real sources, namely the presidents and their administrations. His generous contribution set up an educational fund to provide scholarships for high school students interested in government. Since then, the support from Whiteway and many other generous donors have grown to fund educational programs for over 50,000 students annually and research grants for more than 15,000 students and scholars since 1959.
My Dear Mr. Whiteway: When I came to the office this morning at 8 A.M., through a blizzard that should have stayed in North Dakota, I found your wonderful letter which had been brought out to the Library special delivery. Your statement about leaving something to the institution hit me where I live. It is my ambition to make the center for the study of the Presidency. That great office has been neglected and misrepresented by so called historians. It is the greatest executive office in the history of the world. I say that not because I held it but because I became acquainted with it by experience. I had read everything on it before fate passed it on to me. This Republic of ours is unique in the history of government and if the young people coming along in the future generations do not understand it and appreciate what they have it will go the way of Judges of Israel, the City States of Greece, the great Roman Republic and the Dutch Republic. These young people must understand that our great Government was obtained by “blood, sweat and tears” and a thousand years of effort on the part of the great thinkers over that period and blood-letting resolutions and sacrifices by the people. Why, we even had to spend four bloody years whipping ourselves to make the Constitution work. And we are still at it—trying to make it work! Sam Rayburn has set up an institution at Bonham, Texas which is the history of the legislative branch from the first Continental Congress. The Chief Justice has succeeded in attaining the approval of Congress for the use of the $300,000.00, which Mr. Justice Holmes left to the government, to write definitive biographies of the 88 Justices of the Supreme Court. You see what I have in mind. A real history of the World’s Greatest Government from the real sources. Your contribution will go to the educational fund which will be set up to furnish scholarships for high school youngsters interested in government. I’ll probably be in the past sure enough when your will is probated because I’m 74½ now but still “going good.” Thank you for your letter. You see what you got yourself in for! Sincerely,
5151 Troost Avenue, Suite 300, Kansas City, Missouri 64110
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