OPENING THE VAULT: THE STORY OF US
An America250 Exhibition at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
Real history. Real close.
NOW THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY!
As the United States nears its 250th anniversary, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum presents an incomparable exhibition of rare documents that have shaped our nation and the world.
Opening the Vault: The Story of US examines the ideals, conflicts and turning points that define the American experience.
Featuring historic documents on loan from the National Archives—many never viewed outside Washington, D.C.—this exhibition traces how the nation’s founding principles have been tested, challenged and expanded over 250 years.
Paired with artifacts and images from the Truman Library’s collections, these landmark records reveal democracy in action, illuminated by the voice and values of President Harry S. Truman.
EXHIBIT TRAILER
Award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author David Von Drehle offers a preview of what you’ll see.
This is a “once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nearly two dozen of the most important, most revealing, most consequential documents in U.S. history. The same pages you’ll see at the Truman Library once crossed the desks of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln. The story feels alive in their presence.”
–David Von Drehle
Award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author
OPEN THE VAULT
Follow the Discovery Series on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube, and view the online companion exhibit.
STUDENT & GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
The exhibit companion guide is designed to help students and lifelong learners, alike, explore the documents featured in Opening the Vault: The Story of US. These extraordinary primary sources invite us to explore major themes—liberty, equality, justice and democracy—in order to build connections between the voices and decisions of the past and the civic principles that continue to shape our society.
HOW TO VISIT
LIMITED TIME ONLY!
This special exhibition of historic documents runs through Memorial Day and is included with admission at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.
SEE IT AS A MEMBER
Enjoy free museum admission, Museum store discounts, and member-exclusive events with your Truman Library Institute membership card.
Annual memberships start at just $35 and open the door to all presidential libraries of the National Archives.
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
JE Dunn Construction
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.