Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Museum Presidential library and museum honoring Harry S. Truman
In Independence, Missouri, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum houses Truman’s papers, personal effects and period exhibits. Visitors come for presidential history, documentary displays and the nearby Truman family home.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library for the 33rd U.S. president, located in Independence, Missouri. It houses archival collections, exhibits and educational materials related to Truman’s life and administration.
The facility includes museum galleries with artifacts, documents and interpretive displays about major events and policies of Truman’s presidency, as well as an archival research center that preserves papers and records from his administration. Educational programs and temporary exhibitions are part of the museum’s public offerings.
The library was established to collect, preserve and make available the historical record of Truman’s presidency and public life and serves both researchers and general visitors. It sits in Independence, immediately east of Kansas City, and is accessible from the Kansas City metropolitan area.
- Nearby sites: Located in Independence, the library is adjacent to but administratively separate from the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, which preserves the Truman family home.
What to See #
- Exhibition galleries: Public exhibition galleries presenting artifacts, documents and displays about Truman's presidency, domestic policies and foreign affairs.
- Research center and archives: A research center and archives that hold presidential papers, official records and primary-source materials available to scholars by appointment.
How to Get to Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum #
The Library is located at 500 West U.S. Highway 24 in Independence, Missouri, about a 15-20 minute drive east of downtown Kansas City via I‑70 East and local routes. From the Independence Amtrak station or downtown, taxis and rideshares take 10-15 minutes. Local and regional bus routes serve Independence; check Kansas City Area Transportation Authority schedules for connecting service. On-site parking is available.
Tips for Visiting Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum #
- Combine the visit with nearby Truman's Home National Historic Site-both are within a short drive and tell complementary parts of Truman's life.
- Time the museum for midweek mornings to avoid school groups; Saturdays get busiest when presidential programs occur.
- Don't miss the Oval Office replica and the original desk sign, "The Buck Stops Here." Allow at least 90 minutes for the permanent exhibits.
Best Time to Visit Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum #
Most comfortable in spring and fall for pairing museum time with the Truman Home and walking the nearby historic districts; galleries are indoors and open year-round on posted days.
Weather & Climate near Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum #
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1001 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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