Celebrating Truman Day, May 8, 2025
There are so many ways to celebrate our beloved 33rd President and Independence native! The only president to hail from Missouri and to have a single initial for his middle name, Harry S. Truman’s life was full of challenges and opportunities. His birthday, May 8, was declared an official holiday in June of 1967, and first celebrated in 1968.
Independence is proud to be home to many Harry S. Truman mainstays, including:
- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum – Truman’s papers, personal artifacts, and a replica oval office are part of the experience. Truman and his wife, Bess, are buried in the Library’s courtyard. This attraction recently underwent extensive renovations and now features new interactive exhibits. Click here to go to the Truman Library website. On Thursday, May 8, the library will commemorate Truman's birthday with a wreath laying ceremony.
- Truman Home in Independence – Get an inside look at Truman’s life at his home at 219 North Delaware Street, which is a National Historic Site. Truman lived here from 1919 until he died in 1972, spanning the years before, during and after his presidency. There are many stories of Independence residents and visitors knocking on his door - and he'd come answer it.
- Harry S. Truman Walking Trail – Follow the president’s footsteps – quite literally – as you walk this 2.7-mile path around Independence. It’s said to have been Truman’s favorite walking route and today, it includes 43 informational plaques.
In 2025, the Independence Square Association took over and renamed the Truman Trot 5k to the Give 'Em Hell 5k. There are several businesses in Independence that were Truman favorites - and are still open today. Those include Clinton's Soda Fountain on the Square and Dixon's Chili Parlor off 40 Highway.
Truman Day is May 8th; it is celebrated in Missouri as a state holiday and as a City holiday in Independence. City offices are closed in observance of the holiday, as are Jackson County offices and Missouri state offices.
The City of Independence created a coloring page for the youngest Harry S. Truman fans to use. Click the PDF below so you can print it off for your artist.