The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with the Society of Presidential Descendants, will celebrate Presidents’ Weekend — Feb. 15-19 — with events on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, where 33rd U.S. President Truman spent 11 working vacations from 1945-53.
“Happy Hour at Harry’s Cocktail and Trivia” evening takes place on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy cocktails from “Harry’s Bar” while competing for prizes and glory in a presidential trivia battle.
The centerpiece of the long weekend is a forum discussion on Saturday, Feb. 17, on “Political Maneuvering: The Powerful Influence of the Presidency” to be held among a gathering of presidential descendants before a live audience.
Moderated by Kurt Graham, director of Independence, Missouri’s federally operated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, this year’s scheduled participants are: James Carter, grandson of President Jimmy Carter; Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Harry S. Truman; Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-great grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant; Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower; Massee McKinley, great-great grandson of President Grover Cleveland; and Patricia Taft, great-granddaughter of President William H. Taft.
Returning are two live performances of “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry,” the stage production written by Samuel Gallu that spotlights the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman. Clifton Truman Daniel has starred in the role of his grandfather since 2017. The show will be performed Sunday, Feb. 18, and as the long weekend’s finale event on Monday, Feb. 19, with each beginning at 4:30 p.m. and staged outdoors on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
On Sunday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. until noon, the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation will welcome artist Tom Corbin, creator of the Truman bronze sculpture on display in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. Corbin will share insights on his tools and processes and where he finds his inspiration.
On Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Little White House grounds will provide the setting for a family-friendly cookout, with hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs available for purchase. A cash bar will also be available, and attendees are welcome to bring a picnic blanket.
Other “Presidential Families Weekend” offerings will include guided tours of the Historic Little White House and self-guided botanical lawn tours.
For tickets and information visit trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/.
