Experience the eventful and triumphant life of America’s 33rd President. Permanent museum attractions include Harry S. Truman: The Presidential Years, an exhibit featuring two decision theaters, audio and video programs and artifacts to engage visitors in the issues and events surrounding the Truman Presidency. Harry S. Truman: His Life and Times, focuses on his pre and post presidency and includes 10 audio visual stations and a children’s area. The museum also offers a replica of the Oval Office, an Academy Award winning film by Charles Guggenheim and a gift shop.

The Truman Home offers a glimpse at the personal life of the 33rd President of the US. Beautiful in its uncluttered commonness, the Truman Home showcases the simple life Truman and his beloved Bess enjoyed in Independence before and after his presidency. Tours run every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at the Truman Home Ticket Center on the day of the tour. No advance reservations. Groups are limited to 8 people. Visitors also enjoy a visit to the Truman Home Ticket Center with free audio visual show depicting the President’s life and the interior of his stately home. 

Tickets are purchased at the Truman Home Ticket Center (816) 254-9929 at Main & Truman Road (223 North Main St.).

The National Frontier Trails Museum (NFTM) presents the history of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails and the personal trials and adventures of the pioneers who opened the West. An award-winning film takes visitors from Independence to Oregon. The NFTM includes interpretive exhibits and artifacts. Merrill J. Mattes Research Library is recognized as the largest collection of books, documents and manuscripts on the Westward Expansion.

This two-story 1859 Jackson County Jail, with its barred windows, double iron doors and leg chains, once housed Frank James, Jesse James notorious brother. Visitors are amazed to learn how James was treated like a hero and showered with gifts throughout his incarceration. Four feet away rises the back wall of the federalist-style marshal’s house which was home for county marshals until the early 1930s. Special exhibits such as a collection of confiscated handmade weapons are available.

Home to marionettes created by local puppeteers Robert Smith and Hazelle Rollins, puppets from around the world and a puppet resource center and puppet stage. Create your own puppet. Live puppet show monthly.

Leila’s Hair Museum pays tribute to the Victorian-era art of hair jewelry and wreaths. Family members would craft these keepsakes from locks of their loved-ones’ hair. Leila’s is a one-of-a-kind museum.

The Historic Jackson County Truman Courthouse, which houses the restored office and courtroom Truman occupied as county judge in 1933, stands at the center of Historic Independence Square. A 25-minute audio-visual show in the courtroom highlights Truman’s rise to power. (The Courthouse is closed until 2011).