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Independence, MO —
As director of Harry S. Truman Library, I’m frequently asked two questions: Am I a Harry S. Truman fan, and is being a “fan” of a particular president a prerequisite for employment as director of his presidential library?
The answers to these questions are no and no. At least that’s the case at the Truman Library.
I consider myself to be a professional historian; and, as such, I try to maintain a sense of objectivity and balance when considering the past.
My academic credentials and wide experience in the management of historical institutions led to my selection to direct the Truman Library. (Well, at least I’m pretty sure that was the case). The archivist of the United States, John Carlin, a former governor of Kansas, never asked me about my views on President Truman when I interviewed for the job to direct the Truman Library back in 2000.
Having said all of this, I can’t help but find myself growing in admiration for our 33rd president. I am continually coming across new information that impresses me. Not only his policies, decisions and political philosophy, but his personal qualities can’t help but give anyone a greater appreciation for his public service. All the evidence shows Truman to be a man of loyalty, honesty and integrity. He was an individual who knew how to work hard, play fair and demonstrate concern for others.
In addition, Harry S. Truman looks even better when one compares him with his contemporaries. Truman was in office at a time of particularly nasty world leadership.
Among those governing the great nations of the world in 1945 were Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Joseph Stalin. The ruthless dictator General Francisco Franco of Spain ruled with an iron fist (and a head comprised of the same material). Japan’s Emperor Hirohito and a clique of ambitious generals and admirals had brought disaster to their country. Meanwhile, in China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and his arch-enemy Mao Tse-Tung were preparing their forces for a catastrophic civil war.
Even leaders who did great things for their nations, like Great Britain’s Winston Churchill and Charles DeGaulle of France, lacked Truman’s vision and empathy for the common man.
How did Harry Truman become a great world leader while remaining a man of the people? The answer, I believe, can be found in the exhibits of the Truman Library, especially now that an exhibit entitled “The Trumans and Wallaces of Independence” is on display for the remainder of 2012. This exhibition presents numerous items from the estate of the late Margaret Truman, the only child of Harry and his wife, Bess.
As director of Harry S. Truman Library, I’m frequently asked two questions: Am I a Harry S. Truman fan, and is being a “fan” of a particular president a prerequisite for employment as director of his presidential library?
The answers to these questions are no and no. At least that’s the case at the Truman Library.
I consider myself to be a professional historian; and, as such, I try to maintain a sense of objectivity and balance when considering the past.
My academic credentials and wide experience in the management of historical institutions led to my selection to direct the Truman Library. (Well, at least I’m pretty sure that was the case). The archivist of the United States, John Carlin, a former governor of Kansas, never asked me about my views on President Truman when I interviewed for the job to direct the Truman Library back in 2000.
Having said all of this, I can’t help but find myself growing in admiration for our 33rd president. I am continually coming across new information that impresses me. Not only his policies, decisions and political philosophy, but his personal qualities can’t help but give anyone a greater appreciation for his public service. All the evidence shows Truman to be a man of loyalty, honesty and integrity. He was an individual who knew how to work hard, play fair and demonstrate concern for others.
In addition, Harry S. Truman looks even better when one compares him with his contemporaries. Truman was in office at a time of particularly nasty world leadership.
Among those governing the great nations of the world in 1945 were Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Joseph Stalin. The ruthless dictator General Francisco Franco of Spain ruled with an iron fist (and a head comprised of the same material). Japan’s Emperor Hirohito and a clique of ambitious generals and admirals had brought disaster to their country. Meanwhile, in China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek and his arch-enemy Mao Tse-Tung were preparing their forces for a catastrophic civil war.
Even leaders who did great things for their nations, like Great Britain’s Winston Churchill and Charles DeGaulle of France, lacked Truman’s vision and empathy for the common man.
How did Harry Truman become a great world leader while remaining a man of the people? The answer, I believe, can be found in the exhibits of the Truman Library, especially now that an exhibit entitled “The Trumans and Wallaces of Independence” is on display for the remainder of 2012. This exhibition presents numerous items from the estate of the late Margaret Truman, the only child of Harry and his wife, Bess.
Many of these documents and artifacts have never before been available to the public, and they give us a fascinating picture of Independence during President Truman’s formative years, the many people who shaped his values, and the local institutions and organizations that molded his character.
We will never know the complete story of his personal heritage. On the surface, Harry Truman’s family life and the small-town environment in which he grew to adulthood do not appear all that exceptional. Truman himself once asked his cousin Ethel Noland “when in hell… and what caused a president of the United States to accidentally happen.”
Am I a fan? Well, not exactly. Historians can’t allow themselves to become fans. But, like anyone who visits the Truman Library and looks at the historical record, I can’t help but be filled with admiration for the man from Independence.
