WhistleStop Spring 2011

Harry S. Truman Library Institute 1

Spring 2011

he Truman Library’s wonderful new exhibition, Steamboats to Steam En-gines: George Caleb Bingham’s Mis-

souri, 1819-1879, opened with much acclaim on March 10. George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, which was organized in commemoration of the bicentennial of the birth of the renowned artist, is composed of an excellent collection of Bingham portraits, paintings, drawings and prints on loan from a number of prestigious institutions includ-ing the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the St. Louis Museum of Art, the State Historical Society of Missouri, the National Archives, as well as from private collectors.

The exhibit also includes documents, artifacts, and manuscripts documenting early Missouri statehood that are drawn from the Truman Li-brary’s holdings, and a number of lending institu-tions and personal collections. These interesting personal items and artifacts complement and add richness to the exhibition’s exploration of Missouri’s early history. In addition, the Truman Library is offering an array of public and educa-tional programs in conjunction with the exhibition throughout the year. Combined, these special programs will increase students, museum visi-tors and event attendees’ knowledge of Missouri history, the Civil War Era, and the profound effect they both had on Kansas City and Harry Truman.

The exhibition, thanks in part to the state-wide publicity it has received, is proving to be as popu-lar as expected. Since its opening, 10,655 visitors have toured the exhibit. It has also been an attrac-tive field trip choice for local schools, with 6,869 students having viewed the exhibit.

Bingham’s Missouri Opens at the Truman Library

The highlight of the exhibit is a 6 by 8 foot masterpiece, “Order No. 11, Martial Law,” Bingham’s most famous painting. Traveling outside of Columbia for the first time in fifty years, the painting is on loan from the State Historical Society of Missouri. Painted in 1870, the scene shows the tragic enforcement of an order of martial law issued by Union commander Thomas Ewing following the raid on Lawrence, Kansas by Quantrill’s raiders.

Special Events

Wild About Harry!

Education

Library Happenings

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Solomon Young

Mary Jane, Harriet and Harrison Young

The Civil War and Order No. 11’s Impact On President Truman’s Family

Solomon Young’s loyality oath to the Union. The oath is on display in the Bingham exhibit, courtesy of the National Archives in Washington D.C.

he special exhibition, “Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, 1819-1879,” is offered in part to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. As it explores Missouri’s early history through the artwork of Bingham, it can’t avoid touch-ing on Missouri’s pivotal Civil War heritage - and the profound effect the conflict had on

Kansas City and, more importantly, Harry Truman. In fact, Bingham’s most famous painting, Order No. 11, depicts the forced removal of Western Missouri residents, which included Truman’s family, from their homes and farms. President Truman’s maternal grandparents - Solomon and Harriet Young - were on the front lines of some of the Civil War’s most brutal actions. In 1861, their home located southeast of Kansas City, was struck by disaster. With Solomon gone traveling and Harriet alone with the children at the homestead, the Kansas “Redlegs,” attacked and pillaged the family farm – slaughtering hogs, shooting animals for fun, burning down barns, taking food, feather beds, family silver, and any-thing of value. Harriet made a formal claim of her losses, stating that the total loss on the Young farm amounted to $21,442 (present day, a quarter of a million dollars).

The most horrific acts, however, were to follow. In an effort to determine the location of Solo-mon, the Kansans took fifteen-year-old Harrison and coiled a rope around his neck - placing the other end over a tree. They then threatened to hang him if he didn’t tell his father’s whereabouts. Harrison told the truth, but unfortunately the Redlegs weren’t convinced. The men clutched the rope, stretching his neck, while taunting Harrison with repeated inquiries. Ultimately, Harrison Young had his “neck stretched” by these raiders not once, but three times. Due to these hangings, Harrison had permanent scars on his neck. The final injury came when Harriet and her six children were forced from their farm and incarcerated in a Union camp in Kansas City because of their southern sympathies.

Due to these and other incidents, Truman’s family harbored a life - long dislike of Abraham Lincoln, Kansas and the Union. Harriet, Truman’s grandmother, was understandably bitter due to the actions of the “Kansas Marauders.” On one occasion, Truman visited his mother while in his blue Missouri National Guard uniform. When his grandmother saw this, she said, “Harry, that’s the first time since those Kansas Redlegs burned my house that a uniform of that color has been in this house - and don’t you bring it back.” Remembering the story Harry Truman said, “And I didn’t!”

President Truman - echoing the family’s feelings - strongly defended the actions William Quantrill and his raiders took against Kansas. “They weren’t marauders…the only marauders came from Kansas, the Redlegs, who came over here and burned the towns…and stole the stock…and all the implements…and everything that was loose. The people who went back over there went on ac-count of the fact that they had to teach the Kansans what it felt like to have their property stolen.”

On another occasion, President Truman exhibited the family’s dislike of the North when he told the story of Harrison’s hanging, “They tried to make my uncle Harrison into an informer, but he wouldn’t do it. He was only a boy...They tried to hang him, time and again they tried it, ‘stretching his neck,’ they called it, but he didn’t say anything. I think he’d have died before he’d said any-thing. He’s the one I’m named after, and I’m happy to say that there were people...around at the time who said I took after him.”

Please make plans now to visit the Truman Library to see “Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri.” The exhibit is now on display through September 8, 2011.

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Allan Hoover III, the great grandson of former presi-dent Herbert Hoover, visited the Library in April. Allan was treated to a private tour of the Li-brary by Ray Gaselbracht.

He also joined Clifton Truman Daniel and Institute Board members for lunch.

Thirty five Honorary Fellows, volunteers, and friends recently attended a special Truman Legacy Society breakfast with Clifton Truman Daniel at the Truman Library on April 30. In addition to a delightful breakfast, at-

tendees had the opportunity to speak with Clifton, and then tour the museum. “I was very pleased to have had the op-portunity to visit with these friends – I always enjoy talking to others who share my fondness for grandpa. The Truman Library is lucky to have so many friends and supporters with their own personal ‘Truman stories’ to tell.”

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The Truman Library, joined by the Independence Pioneer Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, hosted former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in commemoration of the 126th birthday of former First Lady Bess Wallace Truman. The program began at 4 p.m. on February 13 and was followed by a book signing and the annual Birthday Tea. The event sold out quickly, with more than 240 people in attendance. Pictured left, a press conference with Mrs. Carter that was held before the event. All local network television stations covered the program, as did several representatives of the local press including the KC Star and the Independence Examiner.

Special From Around the Nation

Clifton Truman Daniel shared insights from his new book Dear Harry, Love Bess during his recent visit to the Truman Li-brary. Daniel humored the audience with stories of his childhood antics while visit-ing his grandmother Truman. Included in this newly released book are never before seen letters, family photos, and commen-tary from the personal lives of Harry and Bess Truman. A book signing and recep-tion followed the program. Books are for sale in the Library gift shop, and can be ordered by calling 816-268-8261.

Dear Harry, Love Bess A Visit With Mr. Hoover

Truman Legacy Society Breakfast

126th Birthday Commemoration of Bess Truman

Guests

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WildaboutHarry!

Thank You

ith more than 630 people in attendance, the 12th annual Wild about Harry celebration was held on April 28 at the Muehlebach Hotel in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Led by Event Chairs Nancy and Herb Kohn, and Honorary Co-Chairs Bert Bates and Ed Matheny, this WILDLY successful event raised $338,000 for the nationally acclaimed education-al programs and museum exhibitions at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.

Nine-time, Emmy award-winning media personality, Phil Donahue, entertained the audience with his humorous comments and reflections on history, Harry Truman, his presidential library, and the current political landscape.

“I’ve been to other presidential libraries, not all of them, but enough to know that the Truman Library is the gold standard. When you see what they’ve done here, you have to be awed by how creative they have been, and how they have exploited modern solid-state technology, so that Harry Truman almost comes alive…It’s not a museum…It’s a living place. It’s a place where young people will be inspired.” - Phil Donahue

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Phil Donahue delivers the keynote adress.

Don and Barbara Potts, Clifton Truman Daniel, Shawsie Branton and Alice Miller

Don and Adele Hall, Barbara Nelson, David Nelson, Bill Nelson

John Sherman, Julie and Pat Donnelly More than 630 people attended the annual Wild About Harry event.

Photos By: Bruce Mathews and Kyle Rivas

OVAL OFFICE UNDERWRITERS

WEST WING UNDERWRITERS

Joy and Bert Bates

Lathrop & Gage LLP

Adele and Donald Hall

Nancy and Herb Kohn

Bryan Cave LLP

Ann and Ed Matheny

Husch Blackwell LLP

DST Systems, Inc.

Laurie and Darrell Franklin

Inergy

J. B. Reynolds Foundation

The Sosland Foundation

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Laurie and Darrell Franklin

Inergy

J. B. Reynolds Foundation

The Sosland Foundation

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Harry S. Truman Legacy of Leadership Award was established in 2010 by the Harry S. Truman Li-brary Institute to honor America’s 33rd President and to recognize an individual who has a sustained and distinguished record of serving our nation and its democratic ideals. Through the Legacy of Leader-ship Award, the Institute seeks to inspire all to seek paths of purpose and service.

The Truman Library Institute was honored to present the 2011 award to Senator Kit Bond, a great friend of the Truman Library, as well as the State of Missouri. Like President Truman, Senator Bond exemplifies service to his state and nation without regard for personal reward.

Mary AtterburyShawsie Branton*Kirk Carpenter*

Mary CobleMichele Crumbaugh*

Dean Davison Patricia Davison

Jill Dean*Ann Dickinson*

Susie EvansColleen Foudree*

Laurie FranklinSharon Greenwood

Adele Hall*Donald Hall, Sr.*Cathy HedlundWoodie HowgillMary Hunkeler*

Martha Immenschuh*Gretchen Jacobson

Donna Katz

Nancy Lee Kemper *Kay Martin*Tom Martin*

Bridget McCandlessMaureen McMeel

Robert MooreBarbara Nelson

Bill NelsonKaren Pack

Donna PitmanBarbara Potts*Cappy Powell*

Margo QuiriconiPage Reed*

Cathy SchultzJeanne Sosland*Susan Spaulding*

Jean Wagner*Eileen Weir*

Polly Wolbach

Legacy of Leadership Award

* Designates past honorary and event chairs

“What a tremendous recognition it is to receive this award tonight...There is no greater honor that I have received then to get the award named for one of Missouri’s finest citizens and our greatest President.” - Senator Kit Bond

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he Truman Library Institute’s flagship education program, the White House Decision Center (WHDC), welcomed a

group of homeschooled students in December 2010 - the first since the program’s inception in 2001. “We felt the WHDC provided us a wealth of information on the Truman Presidency and were excited to tap into this valuable resource,” said Diana Huff, coordinator of the group. “We had 30 students, five parents, an 88 year-old WWII Veteran, and a Korean War veteran partici-pate in the Korean War scenario. It was a won-derful experience to share with our students.” The White House Decision Center contin-ues to be a popular program for students of all ages. In addition to the homeschooled students, a dozen other non-traditional student groups

Educating Future LeadersFirst Home Educators Group Hosted at WHDC

“The Bus Stops Here” Field Trip Grant Program In response to the recent economic downturn’s negative impact on local school districts’ budgets, the Truman Library Institute decided to underwrite the participation costs of our two core programs - guided Museum tours and the White House Decision Center - for any qualifying school that wanted to come to the Truman Library but could not because of funding issues. This new program, aptly called “The Bus Stops Here” Field Trip Grant Program, has helped reverse declining student participa-tion in the White House Decision Center and in Museum tours. During the first school year of its existence, 2009-10, the Institute provided the

funds necessary for 3,310 students to visit the Truman Library. This year, an estimated 4,600 students will receive scholarships and visit the Truman Library to participate in our two core education programs. The Truman Library Institute is extremely grateful to the individuals, corporations and foundations that have supported this initiative with their generous contributions.

Over 480 Students Participate in National History Day On March 5, the Truman Library and Museum welcomed over 480 stu-dents for the regional National History Day Competition (NHD). This marked the largest student participation ever in a Truman Library hosted NHD event, and was also this year’s largest regional competition in the state of Missouri. Six students from Greater Kansas City, who received training from Truman Library Institute Education Director Mark Adams and competed at the Truman Library on March 5, placed first or second in the state competition and qualified to compete in the national finals.

took part in the program – including university students, corporate employees and officers from Ft. Leavenworth’s Command and General Staff College. The total participa-tion for these groups during the 2010-2011 school year equaled 370; with an addition-al 5,000 traditional students from local schools also experi-encing one of the four WHDC modules. This year also saw the WHDC pass a major mile-stone – more than 50,000 students have now participated in the program since it was created ten years ago!

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On May 8, the Truman Library revealed new permanent ex-hibitry in the recently renovated Truman Working Office Gallery. This interactive exhibit includes video, audio clips, and photographs featuring President Truman’s activities at the Truman Library, including his interac-tions with notable visitors. It also highlights compelling items in his of-fice, such as Truman’s impressive book collection, special gifts and other unique objects.

New Interactive Exhibitry In the Truman Working Office

Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremonyhe annual Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring President Truman’s birthday took place at the Truman Library on May 8. Guests gathered

in the courtyard with Independence Mayor Don Reimal and Library Director Mike Devine. Laying the ceremonial wreath at the grave site were Fort Leavenworth Com-mander Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr., Combined Arms Center Special Troops Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Thomas A. Bayer II, and CAC Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Johndrow.

Kauffman Foundation Grants Institute $1 Million

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The Truman Library Institute received a $1 million grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Legacy Fund in support of its existing educational programs and several exciting new initiatives – including a scholars project focused on the Marshall Plan and an expansion of its partnership with the Kansas City Public Library. “The Truman Library Institute represents a vitally important resource in our community,” said Carl Sch-ramm, Kauffman Foundation president and CEO. “This Legacy Fund grant highlights our commitment to helping this fine organization expand its reach and impact, bringing new historical and cultural programs to community members throughout our region.”

“We are very pleased to be able to work with the Kauffman Foundation on such a wonderful project,” said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute. “This grant will allow us to continue providing local students with access to the wonderful resources and experiences that are available only at the Truman Library, while also allowing us to expand our efforts to advance President Truman’s legacy via new pro-grams and new partnerships.”

His Excellency Christian BertelsonMr. and Mrs. Nick BurkeMr. and Mrs. Bret CapranicaMr. and Mrs. Ralph ClemonsMr. and Mrs. Timothy DaltonMr. and Mrs. Paul E. DonnellyMr. and Mrs. Richard DowneyMr. and Mrs. Terry N. DunlapMr. and Mrs. Sam EnnaMr. George Ewing, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Jeff FiglerMs. Eve FinleyMr. Jeffrey FirestoneMr. and Mrs. Allan HallquistMr. Darwin HarrisDr. and Mrs. Larry J. HasseMiss Elise Hill

Mr. Robert HiteMr. Allan HooverMr. and Mrs. Bill HulsMr. William D. KinsellaMr. and Mrs. Virgil KoechnerMr. Larry LaVoieProfessor Alfred L. Lorenz, Jr.Ms. Winda LovettMr. and Mrs. Larry LundMr. and Mrs. Gary L. MarshMs. Carol MarshallMr. Dan MontgomeryMr. and Mrs. Reid NickishMr. Kevin NickleMs. Sheri NoveMr. Ronald H. OettingMr. Steven D. Patton

Mr. Scott PerkinsMs. Amanda PowellMr. and Mrs. Mark F. ProsserMs. Elizabeth C. RaineMr. and Mrs. Brian RichmeierMr. Richard RosmanMr. Mike RyanMs. Linda Bray and Mr. Peter SandstromMr. and Mrs. Bryan ThomasMs. Kristin TrandahlMr. and Mrs. Del VanderploegMr. and Mrs. Lysle WeeksMr. and Mrs. Edward WehrliWestwood Women’s ClubMr. and Mrs. Jack C. WilliamsMr. and Mrs. John Yocum

We would like to recognize the following individuals and organizations that have joined the Honorary Fellows since October 1, 2010.

NEW HONORARY FELLOWS

Fourth Annual

Members Night at the Museum

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 20115 - 7 p.m. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Atrium | Special Events Entrance (East Parking Lot)

Join us at the Truman Library from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 for the Fourth Annual Members Night at the Museum. This exclusive wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will include a private tour of the acclaimed special exhibition “Steamboats to Steam Engines: George Caleb Bingham’s Missouri, 1819-1879,” with the Museum’s Curator, Clay Bauske. The exhibit features more than 30 of Bingham’s drawings and paintings, including his most famous work, “Order No. 11.” You won’t want to miss this “Members-Only” event, which will also include a tour of the interactive exhibit recently added to the Truman Working Office Gallery. To renew your membership or RSVP, contact Kim Rausch (816-268-8237 or [email protected]).

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We would also like to recognize the following individuals who have increased their level of membership support since October 1, 2010.

Mr. Byron T. AdamsMr. Frank W. AdamsMs. Joan AldersMr. and Mrs. William L. AllenMr. Donald D. AndersonMr. Eric AndersonMr. and Mrs. Sigmund BalkaMr. and Mrs. William H. BatesMr. Robert M. BerenMr. and Mrs. David BlanchardMr. Charles E. BlankenshipMr. Robert BrennandMr. Walter C. BridgewaterMr. Jeffrey BrunsMr. and Mrs. Jim CableMr. and Mrs. James C. CallinanMs. Sandy CampbellMr. Kirk W. Carpenter*Mr. Earl K. CavanahMr. and Mrs. John CiancioloTrooper and Mrs. Albert CurleyMr. and Mrs. Jack L. DaddonaCol. Kenneth P. Davis (Ret.)Ms. Abby DayMr. and Mrs. Rudy De LeonMr. and Mrs. William W. DeaconMr. and Mrs. H. R. DeckerMr. and Mrs. Robert L. DeluceMr. and Mrs. Leo D. DickeyMr. and Mrs. Ronald E. DoeringMr. and Mrs. Alan EdelmanMr. John EllenaMr. and Mrs. Ralph FerroMs. Marjorie FinleyMr. and Mrs. Allen H. GreenMs. Marty Greene and Mr. Jack E. Casper, Jr.

Ms. Louise GreenfieldMr. C. Francis HalesMr. and Mrs. Kevin L. HargettMr. and Mrs. Stephen R. HawksDr. and Mrs. Richard HellmanMrs. Joyce HermanMr. and Mrs. Richard S. HerndonMr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Higgins, IIIMr. and Mrs. Mike JancekMr. and Mrs. Aubrey Kevin JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Bernard L. KapellProfessor and Mrs. Lawrence S. KaplanMr. and Mrs. Sidney M. KarshMr. and Mrs. Kurt L. KillenMr. and Mrs. Ralph L. KleinMr. Charles H. KopkeMr. and Mrs. Brian J. LappinMr. and Mrs. Harry LindbackDr. and Mrs. Edwin T. LongMr. and Mrs. Henry J. Massman, IVMiss Connie C. McQuainMr. and Mrs. Whitney F. MillerMr. Joseph W. MorrisMr. and Mrs. James C. NoonanDavid and Diane O’Hagan *Mr. Kent I. PalmerDrs. Lillian and Manuel PardoMr. and Mrs. Emory C. ParksMr. and Mrs. H. Scott PeckMr. and Mrs. Earl C. PierceMr. and Mrs. Michael PolandDr. Alice M. PurdesMr. David A. RubioDr. and Mrs. Michael E. ScheibachMr. Jonathan J. SeagleMr. and Mrs. Leroy SeatMr. and Mrs. J. Stan Sexton

Dr. Ellen SheridanMr. Lindsey E. ShullMr. Timothy ShullMr. and Mrs. Dale M. SienickiMr. Robert P. SigmanThe Hon. and Mrs. Thomas E. Sims, Sr.Dr. and Mrs. Max J. SkidmoreMr. and Mrs. Gordon SlabotskyMr. and Mrs. Andrew J. SmithDr. and Mrs. Wilber B. Spalding, Jr.Mr. John A. SternMr. and Mrs. R. James Stilley, Jr.Mrs. Karen Kirtley StubbsDr. and Mrs. Kent R. ThomasMr. and Mrs. Robert W. Van VacterMr. George P. Viegelmann, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence VillalvaMr. and Mrs. Stan VolpeDr. and Mrs. Paul L. Webb, IIMr. and Mrs. Karl W. WelchMr. and Mrs. Edward R. WhitcombMrs. Lana WhiteMrs. Jean L. WhitenerMr. and Mrs. Don WillcoxonDr. Betty H. Winfield and Dr. Barry HymanMr. John L. WolfeMr. and Mrs. Robert WoolrichMs. H. Irene WyattMr. and Mrs. Harry D. YoungMs. Sarah Young

*Designates Buck Stops Here Society members

MEMBERSHIP PLUS!

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The Honorary Fellows and Buck Stops Here Society are membership pro-grams which provide annual support for the educational programs, outreach efforts, and museum exhibitions at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. Membership benefits include free admission to all of the presidential libraries, special invitations and exclusive opportunities throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding your membership benefits, would like to receive information concerning the Buck Stops Here Society or Honorary Fellows, or would like to increase your level of support and be recognized in the next issue of the Whistle Stop, please contact Kim Rausch, director of development, at (816) 268-8237 or [email protected].

Harry S. Truman Library and MuseumTrumanLibrary.org800-833-1225 | 816-268-8200

MUSEUM HOURSMon.–Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

EXTENDED SUMMER HOURSThursdays, May – September, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

MUSEUM ADMISSION$8 adults; $7 seniors 65+$3 youth 6-15; 0-5 FREE

Truman Library Institute members admitted free. Group discounts available.

Whistle Stop is published by the Truman Library Institute as a service to volunteers, friends and members.

Design: Emily CrawfordMasthead Photo Credit: Mike Sinclair

Carol AndersonAlan L. AtterburyCarolyn CaldwellKirk W. CarpenterJohn A. DillinghamCharles M. FoudreeSam F. HamraMary Ann HeissMary C. JohnstonAllen L. LefkoKenneth B. McClainThomas R. McGee, Jr.John P. McMeel

Clifton Truman Daniel, HONORARY CHAIRMAN

Mary Hunkeler, CHAIR

John J. Sherman, VICE CHAIR

Roger A. Novak, VICE CHAIR and TREASURER

Herbert M. Kohn, SECRETARY

Larry L. McMullenJames B. Nutter, Jr.Cappy P. PowellPage Branton ReedIke SkeltonBeth K. SmithElizabeth T. SolbergCharles S. SoslandJames W. SymingtonMaurice A. WatsonMichael J. Devine Ex Officio

T h e Tr u m a n L i b r a r y I n s t i t u t e

Board of Directors

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILJohn C. Danforth

Richard A. GephardtWalter Isaacson

Michael J. Johnston

Member-supported nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum Advancing the enduring legacy and presidential library of America’s 33rd President

Permit No. 2519

@TrumanLibInst Truman Library Institute

Alex Burden, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR