May 8, 1945
Broadcast to the American People Announcing the Surrender of Germany
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Official America250 Partner
We hold these truths to be self-evident …
As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we invite you to reflect on what these truths mean today. Experience the story of America—its triumphs and its trials, its progress and its promise—and the enduring ideals that continue to guide us forward.
Together, the Truman Library Institute and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum will present a yearlong celebration that honors our shared past, deepens our understanding of democracy and inspires the leaders of tomorrow.
Highlights include:
- The Story of US: This landmark exhibition will highlight dramatic stories and landmark decisions that connect our current moment to America’s past.
- Speaker Series: Join thought-provoking conversations with historians, national commentators and award-winning journalists.
- Civics Education Programs: Hands-on experiences will empower learners of all ages to better understand and participate in democracy.
- Member-Only Experiences: Throughout 2026, Members experience more—from opening receptions, member-only events and unlimited admissions during a year of extraordinary opportunities.
Join the celebration and help inspire America’s next 250 years!
“The Constitution and the Declaration of Independence can live only as long as they are enshrined in our hearts and minds. … Only as these documents are reflected in the thoughts and acts of Americans can they remain symbols of a power that can move the world.”
We discover these truths
Opening April 20, 2026
Celebrate America250 with The Story of US—a once-in-a-generation exhibition of America’s most treasured documents and rarely seen artifacts.
America’s founding was made with a bold promise: that freedom, equality, justice and the right to shape our own destiny belong to all people. For nearly 250 years, those ideals have guided the nation’s journey—tested, challenged and redefined by each generation.
The Truman Library’s America250 exhibition, The Story of US, traces this journey through a visual timeline of pivotal moments in our nation’s first 250 years. Spotlighting President Truman’s leadership during one of the most consequential periods in U.S. history—from the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations to the desegregation of the armed forces and the defense of democracy during the Cold War—the exhibition explores what American leadership, citizenship and global responsibility mean in practice.
Through immersive storytelling, rare artifacts and dynamic educational programming, The Story of US invites visitors of all ages to reflect on the past and imagine the responsibilities of sustaining democracy for the future. Anchored by extraordinary loans from the National Archives, this can’t-miss exhibition honors the past, engages the present and inspires a more informed, inclusive tomorrow.
From the founding ideals that unite us to the challenges that shape us, step into a bold exploration of leadership, citizenship and democracy. America’s story isn’t finished—it’s still being written by all of us.
When touring the galleries, don’t miss United We Play, the Truman Library’s all-new exhibit celebrating America’s sporting spirit (opening April 1, 2026).
We explore these truths
America250 Events
Stay tuned for a stellar array of programs for all ages, both in the community and at the Truman Presidential Library. You’re invited to join thought-provoking conversations with historians, national commentators and award-winning journalists. Plus, family events and museum-based programs will culminate with RED WHITE & TRU, a July 4th birthday bash for America.
We teach these truths
America250 Civics Education
Whether you’re teaching elementary social studies or AP government, our America250 programs adapt to meet your curriculum needs and learning objectives. Together, let’s make this a year where your students don’t just learn about democracy—they experience it.
We live these truths
What’s your wish for America?
Share your hopes, dreams and visions for our nation, and we’ll curate them to highlight the voices of our community. Selected wishes will appear on social media and throughout our America250 programs—showing how we all live these truths every day. Add your voice and imagine the future we hold together.
We preserve these truths
September 1, 1945
Radio Address to the American People Following the Unconditional Surrender of Japan
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November 19, 1945
Special Message to Congress Recommending a Comprehensive Health Program
March 12, 1947
Special Message to Congress on Greece and Turkey: The Truman Doctrine
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June 29, 1947
Address to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
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January 20, 1949
President Truman’s Inaugural Address
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July 4, 1951
Address at the Ceremonies Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
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December 15, 1952
Remarks Dedicating the New Shrine at the National Archives for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
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January 15, 1953
President Truman’s Farewell Address to the American People
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The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum has one essential mission—to hold these truths. One of our nation’s most significant archives, the Truman Library preserves our shared story—the documents, artifacts and eyewitness accounts that record the ideals, struggles and achievements of generations past.
It’s up to us to discover, explore and live these truths—in order to inform and inspire America’s next 250 years.
Click on the links above to explore President Truman’s commitment to our nation’s promise.
We support these truths
America250 initiatives are made possible, in part, by generous support from members, donors and America250 underwriters, including:
William T. Kemper Foundation – Commerce Bank, Trustee
Mary Kay and Brad Speaks
Missouri Humanities and the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund
Mary and R. James Stilley, Jr.
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank, Trustee
Your contribution is a gift to America’s future.