City of Independence, MO
05/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2026 17:23
Celebrating Truman Day
There are so many ways to celebrate our beloved 33rd President and Independence native! The only president to hail from Missouri and to have a single initial for his middle name, Harry S. Truman's life was full of challenges and opportunities. His birthday, May 8, was declared an official holiday in June of 1967, and first celebrated in 1968.
Independence is proud to be home to many Harry S. Truman mainstays, including:
- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum - Truman's papers, personal artifacts, and a replica Oval Office are part of the experience. Truman and his wife, Bess, are buried in the Library's courtyard. This attraction recently underwent extensive renovations and now features new interactive exhibits. On Friday, May 8, the library will commemorate Truman's birthday with a wreath-laying ceremony.
- Truman Home in Independence - Get an inside look at Truman's life at his home at 219 North Delaware Street, which is a National Historic Site. Truman lived here from 1919 until he died in 1972, spanning the years before, during, and after his presidency. There are many stories of Independence residents and visitors knocking on his door - and he'd come answer it.
- Truman Trail - Discover the legacy of America's 33rd president with Visit Independence's Truman Trail-an interactive journey through more than 40 sites that bring Harry S. Truman's life and story to life. Explore the site, check in at each stop, earn points, and redeem prizes along the way.
There are several businesses in Independence that were Truman sites or favorites - and are still open today. Those include Clinton's Soda Fountain on the Square and Dixon's Chili Parlor off 40 Highway.
Truman Day is May 8th; it is celebrated in Missouri as a state holiday and as a City holiday in Independence. City offices are closed in observance of the holiday, as are Jackson County offices and Missouri state offices.
The City of Independence created a coloring page for the youngest Harry S. Truman fans. Click the PDF below to print it off for your artist.
Department: City Manager, Newsroom
Type: Article
Category: Closures, Entertainment, Family Activities
City of Independence, MO published this content on May 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 07, 2026 at 23:23 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]