I am a major history buff and love coming to places like this. Feel of history in actually is a very good one to come to. The display, the movies, the theaters and everything on the inside or really informative. Its really kind of incredible to see this portion of History brought forward. It really was a crucial time. Well worth your time if youre in Kansas City. Dont miss walking out into the courtyard, its worth a stroll back there.

This place is gigantic - one could easily spend half a day exploring all the exhibits and learning.

A fabulous museum! You learn quite a lot about Truman. The replica Oval Office is very well done. While the seasonal gallery was interesting as it was about Truman’s family. The mini activities spread throughout were also fun. Honestly, If you enjoy history, there’s no reason you wouldn’t like this museum. To conclude, it should take under two hours to explore. This is assuming you decide to skip the documentaries. Also, be sure to buy items at the gift shop as they’re relatively cheap and support the museum.

This presidential library is one of the most interesting places Ive been to in Missouri. I thought I knew the Truman history, but it wasnt until i visited this museum and memorial that I feel I truly understood how much progress and change the US went through at that time. It really is things into perspective for today

Great place to learn about our countrys history.

My fourth Presidential Library and Museum and this one certainly did not disappoint. Excellent exhibits, and a very nice central garden where the Trumans are buried. Simple, beautiful and peaceful. The museum does an excellent job of telling the Truman story without try to gloss over the side of his personality that often drew criticism. The library and museum are owned and operated by the U.S. Federal Government and administered under the National Archives and Records Administration. There is also a private non profit group that promotes Truman research through grants. This group is privately funded. From my experience these government operated libraries are very well managed. Like the National Park Service one of the bright spots of our government operations.

Gives great overview of wartime and peacetime during the Truman presidency.

I spent about two hours here. Overall it is great museum that does a good job of telling Truman’s story. Seeing the recreation of the Oval Office, by itself, is worth it.

The 45 minute long video is worth it. Gives you a good idea of president Truman’s life. There’s a lot of other great things to enjoy and view.

This makes the fourth prez library I’ve been to. Definitely my favorite. Very informative, you’ll learn something new with every visit. I didn’t realize how much Truman had to take on. FYI, the WWII museum is about 30 minutes away. You’ll need 3 days spent to take on both.

Truman Library Closing For A Yearlong, $25 Million Expansion And Renovation.The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence will shut its doors on July 23, 2019 and remain closed for approximately one year while it undergoes a multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation. Its last day open to the public will be Monday, July 22.

This is a tribute to a great man who worked hard, believed in America and freedom for all, under a democracy. Equal rights, pick your self up and serve others, humility, convictions, and an unending faith in his mission and position in life. Reluctant to become our 33 President, he and his family listened, heard, saw, felt, and answered. Truly Lives Worth Living. Living with a human Heart.Salute, and thank you the key keepers for continuing to honor the lives worth studying and learning from.Thank you all who have come before and watch(ed) over Independence, Missouri & Jackson County, Missouri, the Proud Home Of Harry S Truman. There is no where like it in the World.

The library was closed while we were there, but we did get to go though the museum and walk the grounds. All in all it was a very educational experience and the building is quite beautiful in and of itself. Harry Truman and his wife are buried in the center of the courtyard which was a little creepy, but I think thats a me thing. But it was cool to be able to pay tribute after walking through the museum.

Gave me a thorough and overwhelmingly favorable picture of the president but left room to raise questions and wonder about some aspects of his life and some of his presidential decisions. Perhaps particularly enjoyable if you grew up closer to that time or have a particular interest in history, the question of the use of the atomic bomb, social welfare programs, and popular culture especially during the early 1950s.

I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in our nations history. The items on display are amazingly interesting. Spend plenty of time and enjoy.

A portal to mid-century world affairs... Wonderful experience for anyone interested in Trumans presidency, U. S. history, WWI, WWII, the Korean conflict, the Cold War, and political game playing... Fabulous museum!

An amazing depiction of the life and times of Harry S Truman!What a leader!NOTE:The museum displays are closed for renovation from July 2019 for about a year, but the research room is still open.

One of the diamonds in the area of Independence. I havent been disappointed with any presidential library I have visited, but this being my first, it has a special place. Even with nostalgia possibly clouding my judgment, I would still recommend this place to visit. It is quite fascinating.

The Truman Library is a must see for anyone traveling to Kansas City. The exhibits are always a treat and the staff are friendly and eager to answer questions. The only negative about this wonderful museum is that it is located in independence. A place where the police department’s deplorable behavior is well documented and reaches all the way to the chief of police. The NAACP issued a Missouri travel warning because of cities like independence. I had a friend who used to work the graveyard shift and one morning when he was driving home he saw traffic backed up in front of him which he thought was an accident. When he turned around to avoid this, a police car came racing after him. He stopped, and the cop came charging out of his car gun drawn screaming obscenities and commands to get out. It turned out it was a DWI checkpoint but the behavior of the cop in the situation was not appropriate. When a superior arrived, they let my friend go without so much as an apology. My friend’s dad was a police officer in another community, so he gave the incident the benefit of the doubt and did not pursue it but the way that cop behaved was completely out of line. Independence seems to employ a lot of young, inexperienced cops who are trying to live out their 80’s style action movie fantasies. The city seems to use Ferguson, Missouri as their model for how to run a city and police department.Do visit the Truman Library but it’s best not to linger long in independence.

We stopped mostly to see the exhibit on the White House renovations President Truman had done. It was a neat exhibit, but wish there had been more photographs or some film of the work. Still a worthwhile exhibit. The rest of the museum, detailing the Presidents life, was very informative. We didnt have enough time to also visit the grave sites of him and his family it the homes they lived in. Maybe well make another trip to see the rest of the grounds.

The museum is good but not great! Maybe it was that everything was dated. I was at the George Bush museum and that blow this one away.

My heart is always warmed by the presidential libraries and museums. The exhibits were well curated. You can see some age in important places, like by his statue and the courtyard, but they are renovating soon. I liked seeing Harrys office, dont miss that section across the courtyard.

Very interesting, love in this area my entire life finally went. Goes from his early years with his service in W.W.I. Do his life as a civilian.

Wonderful piece of history to go through. Went through this lovely house on a field trip when I was younger.They were in the process of renovating the upstairs, so my class did not get a full tour. However, I had a wonderful experience and they took good care of the establishment.This house belongs to one of the greatest and last of the noble presidents this country ever had.

I would have to say of all the presidential library’s have gone to, and that would be about 10, this was by far one of the best, and one of the most interactive.

THe library is full of Harry and Bess Trumans life story. Harry saved quite a bit of stuff to fill this place. I was expecting to be there for about 1-2 hours. We were there over 3 hours to look through his life from a sweet shop work when he was a young boy, to opeing up his clothing store,an artillery officer in WW1 to a judge then Senator and on to the White House. See a room made to duplicate the Ovaloffice when Harry was there and then see his persoanl office where he worked after leaving the White House in 1952. About a 15-20 minute ride from Kansas City . Yes its free from the parking to the entry

Very well done. Love the replica of the Oval Office. The staff was wonderful. The have activity sheets for the kids to do while they visit and explore. Lots of information on WWII.

Not friendly to Handicap people, helpful they were not.From Ohio, but with the negative reception we left and did not go In.4 employees standing at front ticket desk, they could care less about helping handicap person. On a Sunday in September with 6 cars in parking lot. Real busy time !

I just went to the Truman Library and Museum with my daughter this past weekened and we both really enjoyed it. There is so much to see and read about, and so many films to watch, that we are going to have to go back to finish our tour. Definitely need to allow several hours to see everything. The musuem is really well done and, aside from the President Truman information, there is so much more that it is really a time capsule for that period in history.

This is a great museum! Filled with so many wonderful artifacts, photos, and history of the Truman years. Short films, personal letters, newspaper headlines and more...this is a must see library for historians or other interested in presidential history.The museum is on beautiful grounds, is well taken care of, and very educational. I really enjoyed seeing Trumans (and Besss and their daughters) tomb and his office.I only wish I could have spent more time exploring and learning more about President Harry Truman.

This is a big museum. If you have small kids, Id recommend the home tour. It is a good place to read and reflect on our past. Truman and Bess are entombed in the courtyard. Plenty of parking and near McCoy park and Independence Square.

Need about 3 hours to really enjoy the library fully. 16 minute video of his life available before touring museum. Well organized, asthetically pleasing diaplays, clean, tons of information artifacts videos and primary sources to see and interact with. Gift shop was weak but overall a great place. Also, the burial site of Harry and Bess Truman on site in center courtyard.

The exhibit about Harry renovating the white house is really interesting. Harry S Truman is fun to talk to and extremely entertaining. Loved him! This was my first time to a Presidential Library and I enjoyed it thoroughly!

Amazing, absolutely worth a visit to understand who Truman was and the challenges he had to deal with as president. A very good history lesson and lessons on what we Americans and America need to focus on. Also showcase the hard working ethics, how a farmer became president and all the good work he did for the American people.

First presidential library after congressional act establishing the criteria. Musuem presents the presidency in a relateable manner for all ages. Special programs are frequently available. Both permanent and special exhibits. Parking available on-site. Several restaurants nearby (list available at front desk). Famous Truman sites are nearby.

Saw Truman exhibit at Key West and had to come to Independence to see his home and library. It was excellent. I feel I know so much more about his time and his legacy than before. He was definitely a very admirable President. Tour guides were great and added so much to the experience.

This was a great museum with a wealth of information and knowledge. We had a wonderful time learning about Harry Truman and his service to our country. The two level museum does a great job of teaching you about Harry Trumans life before he become president and then on the main level it explores the many obstetrical faced by him as president.This is a must see if you are in KC.

The museum is a fitting tribute to President Truman. You learn quite a bit, not only about his administration, but about life in America at the beginning of the Cold War and the Civil Rights movement. Some of the exhibits could use a bit of updating in terms of technology, but overall this is well worth a visit. Of special note is the beautiful Thomas Hart Benton mural in the lobby.

Wow, the Buck stops here great place, his love of his country and family is remarkable. We need presidents like these again today.School should teach whatTruman, Eisenhower and Hoover did for their country, and hold todays politicians accountable.

In my top 3 presidential museums (have seen 10+), and an interesting historical record of some key world events.

My family of four visited on July 25th in the late afternoon. This museum is so well done. While there is typically a lot to read in a presidential library, the Truman library had quite a few interactive exhibits for the kids. I would highly recommend visiting if you are in the area!I gave this library 5 stars but had an unfortunate situation with the staff at the front desk. I didnt alter my rating although I am so very disappointed with the way I was treated. There is a 13 minute introductory film and a 45 minute film that discuss the life of Truman. We didnt have enough time for the 45 minute video so as the museum was closing and we were on our way out, I asked an older lady at the front desk if she could tell me the name of the video so we could try to find it online. She said the name was Truman and that I wouldnt find it online because they (the museum) held the rights to it. I asked her specifically what the film was about, she replied it was about Truman. Im not sure the reason for her nasty and condescending tone toward me. I was inquiring about the film so I could show it to my two young children and continue to educate them even after we left the museum.If you search YouTube for Harry Truman and the Truman library, youll find a presentation that includes the 45 minute Guggenheim exclusive video. Hopefully someone from the library management staff sees this review and is able to coach this person and perhaps help her find a job that doesnt involve working with the public.

Beautiful. Well-done. Interesting. If you want to be a great person like Truman, read histories and biographies.

Its been 38 yrs since I worked there, but the knowledge I gained and the dignataries I met was like the eclipse, an experience of a. Life Time..In 1979 I was working with the official photographer for the library, we worked together to take pictures of solar eclipse and did complete that project. Sadly not long afterwards he died in an auto accident, but the project we did was so neat. Yes and 38 years later Im still married, just celebrated 38 years being married, have same wife, thats historical too.

Many outstanding exhibits. Loved the 50s display. Old TV. Old refrigerator. Loved the quotes. Learned so much more than I had anticipated!!

Very nice location to visit

When we went in about 2005, the image of Truman was very one-sided, and not critical of his off-color (by todays standards) conversational speech, and other more prominent actions during his presidency. It would be nice to get a full picture, as it would make for a much more enjoyable and interesting experience.

One of a presidential history you should see and visit.

For the baby boomers and older, this is an interesting place to visit. Lots of exhibits and materials to look at. They also have quiet a few videos you can watch. Not a place for kids. This makes a nice 2 to 4 hour visit.

Bar none, one of the best museums Ive been to. Very well put together, very informative, and a beautiful space. A wonderful legacy for Truman and a high bar for other presidential libraries.

Harry S. Truman museum has so much history about the time frame from 1945 to 1953 and through his retirement years. Great place to visit for a couple of hours.

What an outstanding afternoon.... If you are a student of History, this is the place... I really got my nerd on

First Presidential Library that I visited. Took a guided tour. Actually, I would recommend taking the tour. Roughly 2 hours. If you like American history, make sure to visit.

Great tour. Guide very knowledgable. Nice displays with.many aritfacts. Beautiful building.

Growing up this was just a name I saw in a book... Great history here

There were so many exhibits showing his many trials as one not expected to be president. His statue was wonderfully made. The museum, the house and the library could not be taken in in one visit. We traveled over 600 miles and we were not disappointed.

Ive been multiple times and always enjoy it. They recently remodeled to include a very nice exhibit of Trumans office. Worth a visit!

Loved this place. Visited for Fathers Day and the whole family loved it. Kansas City is fortunate to have this place.

More extensive hours but great and excellent customer service greatest spot ii Independence Missouri

Really nice museum, thought provoking exhibits. Well worth the price.

The best spot to learn about President Truman and his legacy. The museum took me about 90 minutes to explore.

In my personal opinion, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is the best presidential library in the United States of America. I have visited most others and spent two whole days, here. Wow! Nothing compares!!

Truman was our greatest president. Courage and common sense. This library and museum is a fitting tribute to this magnificent public servant.Great area, too,.

Really enjoyed this facility. Well organised and presented in a great way.Worth the visit.

An historic museum you should visit!

Extreme Makeover--the White House edition. Fascinating history. Truman was a great President.

So very informative. The history behind and during President Trumans term of office is often overlooked. The decisions he had to make and the situations of the day were, ultimately, extremely important to todays events.

It has been a few years since I visited but I thoroughly enjoyed touring the Truman Library as part of a broader experience of visiting all of the Truman related sites in the area. If you are a student of history or of Truman himself then I highly recommend it.

A good place to take the kids Harry s Truman . But what do I know Im related to tipacanoe. Its sad the president get protection but us little guys with q clearnce Hillary . Dont so is the civil rights infringement. Harry s Truman was a very smart President one of my favorite guy was kinda from a farm in mo I think . Education is over looked these days just pick up a book and read . Take care Truman .

A lot of great attractions for the kids!

Affordable admission price. Interesting exhibits. Tour is self-guided.

Enjoyed the special exhibit on the White House renovation, but especially enjoyed the collection of personal letters and humorous anecdotes between the Harry and Bess Truman.

Visiting and celebrating the legacy of Harry S. Truman. A must visit when in Independence, MO.

At this winter vacation, My family stopped this museum to see about Truman. As a korean who is living at this country (columbus GA) I could learn more than I learned at our korean school. A conversation about atomic bomb is an interest thing which I didnt know until now. This museum provided me many different point of view.Also really I have to thank you to him and this country about ending WWII and Korean War. Without him, I believe that we korean are still living without freedom and with hungry. Also this museum explains about Douglas MacArthur who is another important person at our country.Thank you for all information and articles.

Excellent. Ive been to the LBJ and Bush 41 libraries, and this one was the most interesting. Truman started the Presidencial library tradition and it shows.

Loved it. Kids loved it. A must visit for all Missourians...

Rich in relevant history. Very compelling place to stop, learn, remember and reflect.

Great learning experiene! Good follow up to WWI museum.

Beautiful place! Love the videos and fun little quizes.

Very educational, plus I learned a lot about ww2 that the American education system didnt teach me... Im a senior.

Really engaging exhibits and tour of the library of one of the 20th centurys most important presidents.

Very well done historical account of Trumans time as President. Excellent exhibits on the tough decisions that Truman had to make under a lot of pressure.

Great place to go, I thought the lower level was a lot better than the upper level.

Nice exhibits for all ages. The white house construction exhibit was notch.

The museum of the president from Missouri. You can feel the historic moment of Atomic bomb on Japan and Cold war.

Really cool museum, learned a lot!

If you love history this is the place for you .But give yourself plenty of time.

Well worth our time! A must see on our road trip.

One of our most decisive presidents well-presented.

They were very helpful to me. I am not a computer person and she explained a lot to me.

ATTN: ARTISTSW0RTH SEEINGBE 0PEN MINDEDGREAT ARTIFACTS

Its a very informative place

An outstanding presidential library, Truman is a true icon in American history.

My Main reason for putting this as a 3 is because the guide that we had was kind of disrespectful and mad some very rude remarks to some people. That is the only reason why i am putting this as a 3. Now garented that i take and was with a whole class that is a little bit difrent than the every day vistors becasuse down stairs are meeting rooms for doing reactments of Trumans officials.

It is worth the trip. I look forward to visiting again.

Such a cool and wonderful historical resource of an important historical figure.

The new renovating the White House exhibit is awesome!

Wonderful learning experience.

Wonderful place with lots of historical displays and information.

Interesting place. Lot of history

The Truman Library and Museum is closed for renovation for the next year.