The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is the official presidential library of America's 33rd President. The National Archives and Records Administration administers the attraction, which holds documents and other research materials, as well as photographs, political cartoons, and artifacts from Truman's presidency. Special events and exhibits supplement the two permanent exhibits featuring Truman's "Life and Times" and the "Presidential Years."
Best and worst times to go to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
The best day and time to visit the library and museum is on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. between May and September. Dubbed "White Glove Wednesdays" and included in the admission price is the opportunity to view items from World War II, which are not part of the current exhibits.
Must see/do at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Don't miss the replica of the Oval Office when Truman served there. Other artifacts to look for include the pen used for the German surrender document and the original "The Buck Stops Here" sign that Truman kept on his desk in the Oval Office.
Admission to Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Admission to Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is around $10 for adults, with a discount for seniors ages 65 and older. The price for children between ages 6 and 15 is in the $5 range. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Veterans and active duty military are free between May 8 and August 15.
How to get to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Free parking lots are available on each side of the library and museum. The 35-mile taxi ride from Kansas City International Airport to the museum costs in the $60 range. Bus service is time consuming and expensive.
Food at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
The library has no food service. However, many fast food restaurants are close by and about 20 restaurants can be found at Independence Square, which is about a mile from the library.
Insider tip for visitors to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
If you have time, stop at Independence Square to see the drug store where Truman worked as a young man and the jail cell that once held the Civil War Era outlaw Jesse James.
Author bio: Mary-Lane Kamberg is a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. Her favorite exhibit at the Truman Library and Museum is the replica of the Oval Office in the permanent exhibit area.