Kansas City, Mo., may be a small metropolis, but this city is big on history. In fact, this area is home to three outstanding historical attractions covering politics, sports and music–a perfect mix for travelers of all ages and interests.
1. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum: Located in nearby Independence, the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum tells the story of both our country’s 33rd president and the man behind the Oval Office. The facility divides the majority of its exhibits, audiovisual displays and a wealth of mementos into two key segments: Truman’s presidential years and his life and times.
Visitors at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum can revisit the Oval Office as it was for President Truman in 1950. Photo by Bruce Mathews, courtesy of Truman Library.
Just off the lobby, the museum opens with the White House Gallery, which contains artifacts and papers from Truman’s time in office. I could have spent hours reading through all the letters, notes and papers showcased in this exhibit. Just beyond this gallery, you will find a replica of the Oval Office as it appeared in 1950. One furnishing caught my eye right away: a cabinet television. In fact, Truman was the first U.S. president to have a TV in the Oval Office.
Down the hall, you’ll find another exhibit fully outlining Truman’s presidential years. It’s an enlightening, behind-the-scenes look at the key issues and events that marked Truman’s presidency, including the decision to use the atomic bomb, fighting the Cold War and recognizing Israel. The wealth of journals, letters and notes written by Truman demanded my interest and attention, but I was forced to move along to other parts of the gallery if I was to catch even a glimpse of everything else featured.
In fact, while I had almost a full hour to explore the Truman Library, I barely made it downstairs before I had to leave. Therefore, I would recommend a full day at this attraction. www.trumanlibrary.org
2. American Jazz Museum: In downtown Kansas City, the American Jazz Museum showcases the evolution of jazz through the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. It highlights the lives and achievements of such jazz masters as Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Full of memorabilia, rare photos and more than 100 recordings, these exhibits will keep your fingers snapping and your toes tapping. And, if you’re like me, you’ll get so caught up in the sights and sounds, you’ll have to stick around and catch some of the live music that always abounds in the adjoining “The Blue Room.” www.americanjazzmuseum.com
3. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Next to the American Jazz Museum, the
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum chronicles the history and heroes of the Negro Leagues from their founding after the Civil War to their demise in the 1960s. Photo Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum explores the history of African-American baseball from the league’s inception after the Civil War through its demise in the 1960s. While some player names are more recognizable than others, the story of all as they persevered to make their mark in baseball history is compelling and heartwarming. Exhibits include touch-screen computer displays, short films, photographs, newspaper clippings and more. Like the other museums mentioned above, it’s easy to get caught up in the experience, so make sure you plan adequate time to take it all in. www.nlbm.com
Disclosure: Karon Warren visited these museums as a guest of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.
