Monarch Butterfly
ParkMissouri, US
Harry S. Truman Historic District
Experience the everyday life of a President before and after his time in the White House.
About
Experience the everyday life of a President before and after his time in the White House. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site preserves the long-time home and related properties of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his journey from small-town citizen to world leader. This authentic collection of sites in Independence, Missouri, invites visitors to step back in time and understand the man behind the momentous decisions.
At the heart of the site is the Truman Home at 219 North Delaware Street, a beautifully preserved Victorian residence showcasing original furnishings and countless personal artifacts that belonged to Harry and Bess Truman. Guided tours allow intimate access to the first floor, revealing the family's uncluttered commonness and the modest lifestyle they maintained. Across the street, the Noland Home, belonging to Truman's cousins, tells the charming story of Harry and Bess's courtship through self-guided exhibits. Visitors can also explore the grounds of the Truman Farm Home in Grandview, where Truman spent his formative years working the land.
A visit to the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site is more than just a historical tour; it's an immersive journey into the life and times of a pivotal American figure. Guests leave with a profound appreciation for Truman's character and the values he held, seeing firsthand how his Independence roots shaped his presidency and his post-presidential life. The meticulously maintained homes and exhibits provide an unparalleled opportunity to connect with this unique chapter of American history. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.
The main property within the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, the Truman Home, was originally built in 1867 and later enlarged in 1885 by Bess Wallace Truman's maternal grandfather, George Porterfield Gates. Harry S. Truman and Bess Wallace were married in 1919 and moved into the home, where Bess lived until her death in 1982. During Truman's presidency from 1945 to 1953, the residence famously served as the "Summer White House." Upon Bess Truman's passing, she bequeathed the home, its contents, and grounds to the nation, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site was officially designated in 1983 and is managed by the National Park Service, including the Truman Home, the Noland Home, the Truman Farm Home, and other family properties, offering insight into Truman's life before, during, and after his presidency.
What to do here
Take the guided tour of the Truman Home, experience the self-guided Noland Home exhibits, watch the film at the Visitor Center, and take a self-guided stroll through the historic Independence neighborhood. Consider utilizing the cell phone audio tours for the neighborhood and the farm grounds.
Seasonal info
The park operates year-round, but primary visitor services, including home tours, are available Wednesday through Sunday. Missouri summers can be hot and humid, so dress accordingly if planning extensive walking. Winters can be cold. The Truman Farm Home grounds are accessible year-round, dawn to dusk, but buildings are closed.
Accessibility
The Visitor Center and Noland Home offer accessible entrances and restrooms. For the Truman Home, a Stair-Trac device provides wheelchair access to the first floor, however, it requires two trained staff and is dependent on dry weather conditions, with a 250-pound weight limit. The second floor of the Truman Home is not publicly accessible due to preservation concerns and the fragile nature of the historic structure. Some pavers on the grounds may be uneven. Accessible parking is available near the Noland Home.
Don't miss
1
Truman Home (219 N. Delaware Ave.)
Take a ranger-guided tour of the first floor, meticulously preserved with original family furnishings and belongings.
2
Noland Home (216 N. Delaware St.)
Explore this self-guided exhibit across from the Truman Home, focusing on the courtship of Harry and Bess and neighborhood life.
3
Visitor Center (223 N. Main St.)
Begin your visit here to obtain Truman Home tour tickets, watch an introductory film ("At Home with Harry & Bess"), and browse exhibits and a bookstore.
4
Truman Farm Home (12301 Blue Ridge Blvd., Grandview)
The grounds are open year-round for self-guided exploration, offering a look at Truman's early life.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Loading map…
Good to know before you go
Arrive Early for Home Tours
** Truman Home tours are popular and capacity is limited to eight people per tour. Secure your tickets at the Visitor Center first thing in the morning.
Start at the Visitor Center
This is the essential first stop for tickets, information, restrooms, and an informative introductory film about the Trumans.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking between sites in the historic district and potentially exploring the Truman Farm Home grounds.
No Photography Inside Truman Home
Respect the no-photography policy inside the Truman Home to help preserve the irreplaceable artifacts.
Combine Your Visit
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a separate entity but nearby and offers a fantastic complementary experience to the Historic Site.
Leave Food and Drink Outside
To protect the historic properties, food, beverages, and pets (other than service animals) are not permitted inside the homes or Visitor Center.
Frequently asked questions
- No, photography is not permitted inside the Truman Home to protect and preserve the delicate artifacts, as flash photography can cause cumulative damage to the historic items.
- Tickets for guided tours of the Truman Home are free but required and are issued only at the Visitor Center at 223 N. Main Street on the day of your visit, on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours are limited to eight people, so arriving early is recommended.
- The Visitor Center and Noland Home are largely accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms. The Truman Home has a Stair-Trac device for first-floor wheelchair access, but the second floor is not open to the public due to the historic nature of the building and structural limitations.
Recent snaps at this place
More park guides
View all ›.JPG)
Park30 sightings21 species
Massachusetts, US
Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
View guide →
.jpg)
Park30 sightings20 species
Maryland, US
Herring Run Park
You might spot White-Tailed Deer and Japanese Knotweed.
View guide →
Park22 sightings20 species
Illinois, US
Sauganash Trail
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
View guide →
Park166 sightings19 species
Maryland, US
Rock Creek Regional Park
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and White-Tailed Deer.
View guide →