Celebrate America’s Independence in Independence, Missouri!

As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Truman Library Institute is proud to sponsor a community celebration for all ages.

Red White & TRU features 3 Trails West — one of the few practitioners of authentic cowboy music in Kansas City. Inspired by the Silver Screen era of Western music and Bob Wills-style swing, the award-winning band delivers a family-friendly show filled with humor, audience interaction and Western sounds.

Stay cool with complimentary treats, including Betty Rae’s Ice Cream and Polly’s Pop. Additional free activities include professional face painting, living-history activities for kids, and an interactive chalk mural of the Declaration of Independence that invites visitors to “sign on” as founders of America’s next 250 years.

This community event is free and open to the public; museum admission is not included.

Watch this page for more details or sign up for event alerts.

Download the Event Flyer

Celebrate the birth of our nation’s flag—the Stars and Stripes—at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.

Schedule:

• 9 a.m.  – Model T Car Show, presented by KC Chuggers
• 10 a.m. – Jim Mair Trio (Grammy-nominated and award-winning jazz musicians)
• 10 a.m. – Magic by Johnny “Aces” Holiday (aka Kelly Rusk of the renowned Kansas City Gangster Tour)

This community event is free and open to the public; museum admission is not included.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Flag Day is Sunday, June 14. The official date commemorates June 14, 1977, when the Continental Congress adopted the first American flag. In 1949, President Truman signed legislation establishing Flag Day as an official national observance.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, The Story of Us: America at 250 explores the ideals, conflicts and defining moments that shaped the nation.

Through historic documents, iconic artifacts and interactive exhibits for all ages, visitors can experience 250 years of American history in an engaging and thought-provoking way.

Don’t miss: My Wish for America, an interactive community talk-back station where visitors can share their hopes for the country’s future.

From sandlots to stadiums, First Families to your family, experience an all-new, all-star exhibition celebrating the sporting spirit.

As Kansas City welcomes the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum invites you to explore United We Play: Kicking It with the Trumans—a new exhibition showcasing the power of sports to inspire and unite us.

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AMERICA250: PRESIDENTS IN PRINT

Join a dynamic community of K–12 educators at the Truman Library’s 23rd Annual Summer Teacher Conference in Independence, Missouri (15 minutes from Downtown Kansas City). America 250: Presidents in Print invites you to explore how presidents have used memoirs, letters and other personal writing to shape their public legacy and tell the story of the nation.

​During five immersive days of professional learning, participants will deepen their understanding of the president’s role in a democracy, strengthen classroom best practices, and develop new strategies to connect the historical presidency to students’ lives today. Sessions will blend primary source analysis, ready-to-use classroom materials, and collaborative planning time so teachers leave with concrete tools for the coming school year.

​This year’s keynote speaker is Craig Fehrman, author of Author in Chief: The Untold Story of Our Presidents and the Books They Wrote. He’ll share fresh insights into how presidential writing has shaped American politics, culture and memory. In addition, the Truman Library’s education team will be joined by scholars and educators from other presidential sites, offering multiple perspectives and case studies connected to this year’s theme.

Applications have closed. 

Sign up for alerts for upcoming student/educator events and opportunities.

Join Angie Allison, White House Decision Center Facilitator and Curriculum Specialist, on September 22 at 4 p.m. for a free online National History Day workshop.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience taking students to NHD—including 11 state finalists and 8 national qualifiers—Angie will share practical strategies to make National History Day workable at every level, from first-time participants to returning competitors.

Grounded in the 2027 NHD theme, “Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change,” this session will equip you with theme-aligned topic ideas, classroom-ready tools, and time-saving tips so your students can shine at every competition level.

Register Today for the Online Opportunity!

Zoom link will be emailed the week before the workshop. 

Angie Allison
Curriculum Specialist and White House Decision Center Facilitator
Email Angie Allison

Bienvenidos a Kansas City! Acompáñanos a recorrer lo más destacado del museo, presentado en español. Esta visita guiada ofrece una introducción a la historia y el legado del 33.º presidente de los Estados Unidos a través de las exposiciones más importantes del museo. A solo 20 minutos del centro.

Welcome to Kansas City! Join our museum highlights tour led in Spanish by a native-speaking guide. This tour offers an introduction to the history and legacy of the 33rd president of the United States through the museum’s most significant exhibits. Just 20 minutes from downtown.

Get up close with rarely viewed presidential treasures preserved at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Included with museum admission, White Glove Wednesday presentations are offered every third Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Please note: No presentation is scheduled for April. White Glove Wednesdays will resume May 20, 2026.

PLAN YOUR MUSEUM VISIT

Book one of our dynamic speakers to create a captivating and informative program for your next meeting! Engage audiences with Truman-era presentations designed to spark conversations, inspire insights and entertain. Presentations are intended for adult groups of 20 or more, and speakers are limited to a one-hour radius from Kansas City.

Now booking 2026 events!

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