Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

08/28/2026

This is the reading room at the Truman Library, where real Truman research happens.

I've used this room for four different books now. It underwent a renovation about four or five years ago, and it's still one of the most special places I've researched in.

The best part: you actually get to handle the original documents. Real ink. Real presidential signatures.

A big thank you to the archivists who take care of these one of a kind materials and make research like this possible.

Bird Men: The Rise of American Airpower and the Machine That Ended WWII, out October 20.

08/27/2026

Honoring the incredible legacy of Dolly Parton, a global songwriter, singer, philanthropist and child literacy advocate.

In 2006, Dolly Parton was awarded at the Kennedy Center Honors for her contributions to American culture and performing arts. See more photos from this historic evening in the National Archives Catalog.

08/25/2026

“Our national park system is a dear expression of the idealism of the American people.” -Harry S Truman, during his address at the dedication of Everglades National Park, 1947

Today is the 110th birthday of the National Park Service! On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation creating the National Park Service to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Over the hundred plus years, we've grown into more than 400 national park sites and many programs that reach communities around the country—and even the world!

Harry Truman understood the importance of National Parks, the conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of historic sites. He helped create National Parks, National Monuments, Historical Parks, and National Memorials; including:
Everglades National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park (now Theodore Roosevelt National Park), consolidated and expanded Grand Teton National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Effigy Mounds National Monument, Adam’s National Historical Park, Independence National Historical Park, Fort Sumter National Monument, and De Soto National Memorial.

To read Truman’s full address at the dedication of the Everglades go to: https://ow.ly/CN7w50ZCMP7



Image: President Harry S. Truman (at podium) is speaking at the dedication of Everglades National Park in Florida, while on vacation in Key West. Also present and visible behind the President are (from left to right): John Steelman, Clark Clifford, Admiral William D. Leahy, Stanley Woodward, and Major General Harry Vaughan. All others are unidentified on December 6, 1947. Credit: Harry S. Truman Library & Museum.

08/25/2026

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum joins people across America and around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton.

A proud daughter of the South, Dolly brought joy to generations through her music, her unmistakable humor, and a spirit of generosity that extended far beyond the stage. Her commitment to literacy, education, and improving the lives of others reflected a belief shared by President and Mrs. Carter: that our greatest measure is what we do for one another.

President and Mrs. Carter were fortunate to know Dolly and shared with millions an admiration for her extraordinary talent, warmth, and kindness. From evenings celebrating country music together in Washington to their shared commitment to improving the lives of others, theirs was a friendship rooted in a deep love of people and the place they called home.

Today, we remember an American original and a wonderful friend. Dolly, we will always love you!

Our thoughts are with the Parton family and all those who loved her.

Image: President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter greet Dolly Parton at the White House on October 2, 1979, before attending the Country Music Gala at Ford’s Theatre. NAID 84150

08/25/2026

It's ! 🌟

Harry Truman believed history isn't something that just happens to us — it's shaped by people willing to act. This week's quote is a reminder that progress isn't passive; it takes leaders bold enough to step up when the moment calls for it.

Who's a leader — past or present — who's inspired you to seize an opportunity for change? Tell us in the comments. 👇

08/17/2026

08/14/2026

A historic day at the Truman Library today!

08/14/2026

August 14 is National Navajo Code Talkers Day. During WWII, the United States military needed a secure way to send messages that enemies could not decipher. In 1942, Navajo men were recruited by the Marine Corps to develop a specialized code based on the Navajo language. Navajo Code Talkers served throughout the Pacific, transmitting critical messages by radio and telephone. They memorized their code instead of writing it down, helping keep vital military communication secure. Approximately 400 Navajos served as Code Talkers during WWII.

Photos

Photograph of Navajo Code Talkers Henry Bahe and George Kirk
National Archives
NAID: 593415
Local ID: 127-MN-69889-B

Memorandum from Commander General Clayton B. Vogel to the Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, Regarding Enlistment of Navaho Indians
National Archives
NAID: 6207442

08/10/2026

For this week's , who wants "toasted fingers" with their lunchsalad?!? (We're pretty sure that the person who typed this meant "toast fingers.") https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7583800