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The Truman Home, centerpiece of the Harry S Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri, has reopened for public tours after undergoing extensive maintenance and preservation projects.
Closed since October 2009, the Truman Home now has new heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire suppression systems that were installed during the closure. Extensive repairs to historic plaster were also made, and original wallpaper was removed, cleaned, repaired and reinstalled.
The Truman Home improvements will help preserve the home and its contents for future generations, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Collectively these projects represent the largest preservation effort at the site since the NPS acquired the property in 1983.
All of the work was accomplished in a way that was sympathetic to the historic integrity of the home. Even the sprinkler heads for the fire suppression system were recessed into the ceilings, with their covers painted to match the ceiling patterns for each room.
The addition of an improved HVAC system was especially important since it will better protect the thousands of original Truman objects located throughout the home. Funding for these projects was made possible by the NPS Centennial Initiative.
Collectively, these projects represent the largest preservation effort at the home since the park was established in 1983.
The home is open by guided tours only. Tour tickets must be purchased at the visitor center, which is located at 223 N. Main Street in Independence. Tour sizes are limited; tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. The cost is $4 per person. Children 15 and younger are free.
Truman was the nation's 33rd president. After only serving a few weeks as vice president, Truman assumed the presidency following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945.
Known as the "Summer White House" during Truman's presidency, 1945 through 1953, the house located at 219 N. Delaware Street was the home of Harry and Bess Truman for more than five decades. Harry Truman lived in the home starting with his marriage to Bess Wallace in 1919 until his death in 1972.
After serving 10 years in the U.S. Senate and nearly eight years in the White House, Truman returned to his beloved home. He happily wrote, "I found myself right back where I started."
The home that was so dear to Truman reflects the lifestyle of a "people's president." After 1953, it became a sanctuary for Harry and Bess as they returned to their lives as private citizens.
For more information about President Truman, visit the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum Web site at www.trumanlibrary.org .
For more information about the Harry S Truman National Historic Site, visit the Web site at www.nps.gov/hstr
Closed since October 2009, the Truman Home now has new heating, ventilation, air conditioning and fire suppression systems that were installed during the closure. Extensive repairs to historic plaster were also made, and original wallpaper was removed, cleaned, repaired and reinstalled.
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All of the work was accomplished in a way that was sympathetic to the historic integrity of the home. Even the sprinkler heads for the fire suppression system were recessed into the ceilings, with their covers painted to match the ceiling patterns for each room.
The addition of an improved HVAC system was especially important since it will better protect the thousands of original Truman objects located throughout the home. Funding for these projects was made possible by the NPS Centennial Initiative.
Collectively, these projects represent the largest preservation effort at the home since the park was established in 1983.
 |
Truman was the nation's 33rd president. After only serving a few weeks as vice president, Truman assumed the presidency following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 12, 1945.
Known as the "Summer White House" during Truman's presidency, 1945 through 1953, the house located at 219 N. Delaware Street was the home of Harry and Bess Truman for more than five decades. Harry Truman lived in the home starting with his marriage to Bess Wallace in 1919 until his death in 1972.
After serving 10 years in the U.S. Senate and nearly eight years in the White House, Truman returned to his beloved home. He happily wrote, "I found myself right back where I started."
The home that was so dear to Truman reflects the lifestyle of a "people's president." After 1953, it became a sanctuary for Harry and Bess as they returned to their lives as private citizens.
For more information about President Truman, visit the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum Web site at www.trumanlibrary.org .
For more information about the Harry S Truman National Historic Site, visit the Web site at www.nps.gov/hstr
