HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!
Independence is about “Wild About Harry”! On Saturday, May 5, the City of Independence, National Parks Service, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Independence Square partner to honor Harry Truman with an “All-American Hometown Birthday Celebration”.
This event will be an interactive celebration of the life and times of Harry Truman and the amazing story of how he transformed the lives of everyday American citizens, including women and African-Americans, during the 1940s post war era. Square events are free.
- 10 a.m. The day’s festivities begin with a Shriner’s parade. Wave your flag and wave your campaign poster (both distributed to the public just before the parade.)
- 10 a.m. – to 6 p.m. Shop and dine on the Square, where businesses will be decorated in honor of Truman, Truman themed merchandise will be sold ($1 to $3) and cars from the ‘40s will be parked on display.
- 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free tours of the Trinity Episcopal Church, 409 N. Liberty, where Harry and Bess were married and where they worshiped for many years, will be offered.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hop on the Truman Trolley, which will run a circuit from the Square to and from many tourism attractions. With a nod to Truman’s famous sign “The Buck Stops Here,” ride all day for only a buck a person.
- 10 a.m. – 4 and 5 p.m. The following attractions will lower their admission prices to a buck all day as well: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific, Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home, 217 N. Main, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum,500 W. U. S. 24 Highway, Puppetry Arts Institute, 11025 E. Winner Road, National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific, Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site, 219 N. Delaware (buy tickets at Truman Visitor Center, 223 N. Main) and Leila’s Hair Museum, 1333 S. Noland. (note: the Trolley does not visit the Puppetry Arts Institute or Hair Museum)
- Noon – 1 p.m. Visit with historic re-enactors, including “Harry” and “Bess”, listen to music of the 40s, watch skits and see a demo of a Truman marionette. You can also step back in time by catching a vintage 40s movie at the Pharaoh Theater across the street from the courthouse at 114 W. Maple. (times and title not yet available).
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Harry rode the train often, especially during his whistle stop campaign and as he traveled back and forth to Washington, D. C. The nearby Chicago & Alton 1879 Depot, 318 W. Pacific hearkens back to the days of Harry’s love affair with trains by celebrating National Train day. Watch model trains run and enjoy free cake and punch from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Harry and Bess loved a bargain. Come search for treasures at the big yard sale on the grounds of the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information call 816-325-7111 or visit www.visitindependence.com
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