We didn’t just celebrate history. We made history.

The 27th annual benefit for Harry S. Truman’s presidential library and legacy made history, raising $1,384,199 for civics and history programs at the Truman Library. The April 23 event at Kansas City’s historic Muehlebach Hotel—President Truman’s hometown political HQ—attracted nearly 900 guests, and featured event co-chairs Karen and Steve Pack, and Amy and Zachary Pack; event honorary chairs Marny and John Sherman; President Truman’s grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel; and honoree David M. Rubenstein, in conversation with Douglas Brinkley.

As we near America’s 250th anniversary, Wild About Harry served as much more than a celebration of our past. This historic event was a call to action—a recognition that democracy is not inherited, it’s upheld. Through civics education, community programs, and the preservation of Truman’s legacy, we equip the next generation to carry our founding principles forward.

Why your support matters.

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Keynote Speaker & Honoree

In recognition of his remarkable impact on public service, civic leadership and the stewardship of American history, David M. Rubenstein was honored with the 2026 Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award.

Co-founder and co-chair of The Carlyle Group, bestselling author, historian, advocate for civic education, and principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles, Mr. Rubenstein champions “patriotic philanthropy,” working to preserve the places and stories that define our national identity. He is widely regarded as an insightful interpreter of America’s past and a persuasive voice for the responsibilities of citizenship today.

David Rubenstein is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an original signer of The Giving Pledge, and the host of numerous shows, including Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR 2026 HONOREE

David Rubenstein was joined onstage by Douglas Brinkley for an exclusive conversation. Brinkley is the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University, a CNN Presidential Historian, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair. He has received seven honorary doctorates in American Studies.  He works in many capacities in the world of public history, including for boards, museums, colleges and historical societies.  Six of his books were named New York Times “Notable Books of the Year” and seven became New York Times bestsellers.

 

 

EVENT PHOTOS

SPONSORS AND UNDERWRITERS

We are grateful for the generosity of the following 2026 supporters who fuel our mission to advance President Truman’s enduring legacy and his presidential library—our region’s “Classroom for Democracy.”

WILD ABOUT HARRY

Since its inception, Wild About Harry—the premiere event celebrating and advancing President Truman’s legacy and library—has raised more than $11 million in support of nationally acclaimed education and outreach programs that foster civic learning and engagement.

In 2010, the Truman Library Institute inaugurated the Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award, now an annual WILD event highlight. Together, the dinner and award ceremony provide invaluable support to the mission that mattered most to President Truman after leaving the White House—establishing his presidential library as a “Classroom for Democracy” where young people, especially, would be inspired and prepared to lead lives of purpose and service. Thank you for helping advance this vital cause. We’re the founders of America’s next 250 years.

Learn more:

Kim Rausch
Director of Development
816.400.1214
Kim.Rausch@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org

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