The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation will host a special two-evening celebration of American First Ladies, presented in partnership with America250, the organization leading the commemoration of the United States Semiquincentennial. Taking place tonight and tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24, on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St., the events will explore the roles of America’s First Ladies through panel discussions, personal stories and expert insights.
The events begin Friday, Jan. 23 with a moderated panel discussion featuring the three co-authors of “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.” Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith will explore the influential roles of America’s First Ladies throughout history. The panel discussion begins at 5 p.m. and will be preceded by a book signing with all the authors.
Smithsonian Magazine calls the book, “a timely consideration of the often overlooked, yet influential ways in which presidential spouses have shaped America,” (the book) examines the impact of first ladies on civil rights, political campaigns, key speeches and life in the White House throughout the nation’s history.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, programming continues with an intimate conversation titled, “Remembering the Boss: Bess Truman,” featuring Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of First Lady Bess and President Harry S. Truman and author Anita B. McBride. Truman Daniel brings personal insight into the Truman family dynamic and his grandmother’s quiet but formidable influence. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the panel discussion starts at 5 p.m.
Both evenings will be moderated by Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center and former director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. Graham’s expertise in Truman history and presidential scholarship will guide conversations that illuminate both the public duties and private realities of life in the White House.
“The stories of America’s presidency cannot be told without understanding the First Ladies who shaped the role and supported their partners through moments of crisis and triumph,” said Clinton Curry, the foundation’s executive director. “We’re honored to welcome the authors who have documented these legacies and President Truman’s own grandson, who can share what Bess Truman was really like – not just as a First Lady, but as a grandmother, a partner, and the woman Harry called “The Boss.”
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, also known as America250, is a non-partisan congressional commission created in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To learn more about the organization and its nationwide initiatives, visit america250.org.
The mission of The Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, and programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historic and cultural influences of the Truman era.
A cash bar will be available on site. Tickets per evening are $40 for Foundation members and $60 for non-members, available at trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events.
