Mayor Rory Rowland | City of Independence
Mayor Rory Rowland | City of Independence
City offices in Independence, Missouri, will be closed on May 8 to honor Harry S. Truman's birthday. The day has been a recognized holiday since June 1967 and was first celebrated in 1968.
Harry S. Truman, the only U.S. president from Missouri and known for having a single initial as his middle name, faced many challenges and opportunities throughout his life. His legacy is celebrated with various activities and attractions in Independence.
The city is home to several sites associated with Truman:
- The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum houses his papers, personal artifacts, and a replica of the Oval Office. Truman and his wife, Bess, are buried in the Library’s courtyard. The museum recently underwent renovations and now features new interactive exhibits. On May 8, the library will hold a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate his birthday.
- Visitors can explore the Truman Home at 219 North Delaware Street, a National Historic Site where he lived from 1919 until his death in 1972.
- The Harry S. Truman Walking Trail allows people to follow in the president’s footsteps along a 2.7-mile path featuring 43 informational plaques.
In addition to these sites, the Independence Square Association has renamed the annual Truman Trot 5k race to the Give 'Em Hell 5k this year. Several local businesses that were favorites of Truman remain open today, including Clinton's Soda Fountain on the Square and Dixon's Chili Parlor off Highway 40.
Truman Day is observed as both a state holiday in Missouri and a city holiday in Independence. Jackson County offices and Missouri state offices will also be closed for the occasion.
For younger fans of Harry S. Truman, the City of Independence has created a coloring page available for download.
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