Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

The 70th anniversary of the end of WWII is upon us, so it was a perfect time to take the boys to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library near Kansas City, Missouri.

The first thing that we found when we arrived was a replica of the Liberty Bell.

IMG_0986

IMG_0988

IMG_0998

IMG_1001

It's very official when it is carved in stone, no?

IMG_1004

One of my favorite stories of Harry Truman was that he felt it was his duty to serve in WWI, but he couldn't pass the eye exam without his glasses.  So, in order to get enlisted, he memorized the eye chart, and he passed on his second try.  He served in the first world war in a artillery brigade in France that used cannons similar to these.

So, in honor of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, there was a special exhibit at the museum displaying various WWII artifacts.  It was hugely interesting.

IMG_1011

Here Connor is looking at the standard issue Japanese bayonet, and a copy of the Japanese surrender document signed by Emperor Hirohito.

IMG_1014

This is one of 40 ceremonial copies of Mein Kampf that were presented to Nazi officials.

We also watched a video about the history of the atomic bomb, and we watched another one about the Japanese surrender of their swords following the war.  Connor is still really interested in all things related to WWII.  And I can't blame him.  There are so many interesting stories that are related.

Our favorite room at these presidential libraries and museums is always the Oval Office.  This is how the Oval Office looked when Truman was president.

IMG_1022

He had a television, but behind his desk was a ton of radio equipment.  I imagine that it could have been some of the radio equipment that FDR used for his fireside chats.

IMG_1026

I like that globe.  It's a big as Lex!

IMG_1031

This portrait of Truman was painted by John Slavin.

IMG_1002

We also usually like to see the Presidential Limo at these types of museums.  But it seems that President Truman was in office before the limo became a standard thing.  Instead, there were several of his own personal automobiles on display, like this 1941 Chrysler Royal Club coupe.

IMG_1033

President Truman and his wife are buried here in the courtyard of the museum.  The grave site is beautiful, and there is an everlasting flame nearby.

No comments: