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Today, the Little White House is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the property and the men who called it home. One of the most beneficial ways to support the mission of the Truman Little White House is to become a member.

As a member, you’ll get unlimited Access to Tour and Events, Invitations to Special Events, Discounts on Museum Store Merchandise, and Discounts on Admission Fees for Friends and Family. Join today and become a part of preserving the history of one of America’s most unique and historic properties!

He was the 33rd President of the United States and served as Commander-in-Chief from 1945 to 1953. Truman was born in Missouri in 1884 and grew up in a family that often faced financial hardship. Despite his lack of formal education, Truman was a voracious reader, and he eventually went on to graduate from the University of Missouri in 1925. Prior to becoming President, Truman was a successful Missouri politician, serving as a county judge, US Senator, and Vice President under Roosevelt. Truman played a critical role in shaping the post-war world, including the establishment of the United Nations and the Marshall Plan for European recovery as well as supported several key initiatives, including the Fair Deal, which sought to promote civil rights, minimum wage laws, and labor protections. Harry S. Truman was an important president who helped shepherd America through a tumultuous period in its history. His legacy is notable for the significant domestic and foreign policy initiatives he implemented, as well as his dedication to service and his no-nonsense approach to politics.

Harry S. Truman served as the 33rd president of the United States from 1945 to 1953. His presidency was marked by some of the most challenging times in American history, including the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. 

One of the most significant events of Truman’s presidency was the end of World War II. Truman made the call to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ultimately leading to Japan’s surrender and the end of the war. While controversial, Truman argued that this decision saved American lives and was ultimately necessary to end the war quickly. 

The Marshall Plan is another significant achievement of Truman’s presidency. It was designed to provide economic assistance to Western Europe, helping to rebuild after the devastation of World War II. The plan was a crucial part of America’s recovery and helped to maintain political stability across Europe. The Marshall Plan demonstrated Truman’s commitment to international leadership and set the stage for America’s continued involvement in global events.

The Truman Doctrine established that the United States would assist any country threatened by communist forces or ideology. The Truman Doctrine demonstrated Truman’s firm stance on communism, and his willingness to act when necessary to protect American interests.

Truman was also a vocal advocate for civil rights. He established a Presidential Committee on Civil Rights, which recommended significant reforms to address discrimination and racism in America. Truman also issued executive orders desegregating the military and federal agencies. Truman’s support for civil rights was a significant step forward for American society, and his efforts paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement in the following years.

After leaving office, Truman created the Truman Library and Museum to act as a repository of presidential papers and information about his presidency. The library contains over 15 million pages of documents, and it’s one of the most significant historical archives in the country. The Truman Library is a testament to Truman’s belief in the importance of preserving history and ensuring that future generations can learn from the past.

The Marshall Plan was a comprehensive plan to help rebuild the economies of Europe, which had been devastated by World War II. The plan was proposed by Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947 during President Truman’s presidency. The plan provided economic aid to 16 European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany. The first meeting of the Marshall Plan’s European Advisory Commission held in 1947 was in Truman Little White House.

Yes! During his presidency, Harry S Truman spent 175 days in the Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida. This historic site was originally built in 1890 as the naval station’s command headquarters. It was later converted into a winter White House for President Truman and his family.

Truman made 12 visits to the Little White House throughout his presidency. Here is a record of his logs. Today, visitors can walk the same grounds that Truman did and gain insight into the challenges that he faced, both personally and politically.

Between 1946 and 1952, Truman spent a total of 175 days residing and working at the Little White House. Step back into the era of Harry Truman and explore his personal belongings, including the living quarters where he and Bess resided, original furnishings, personal effects, and much more. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see the rooms where Truman held meetings with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, worked on the Marshall Plan, and penned the Truman Doctrine.

The president had various duties during his stay, including attending to important state affairs and plowing through the numerous papers that piled up on his desk. It is said that he composed some of his most critical speeches in the living room of this house. During his time in Key West, the president spent time with family, friends, and advisors, but he also utilized the advanced communication system installed at the house to keep in touch with his top advisors in Washington.

Built in 1890, this beautiful structure was initially the command headquarters of the naval station during the Spanish-American War. It wasn’t until 1946 that it was converted into the winter residence of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman.

Other well-known politicians and celebrities also made their way to Key West to visit the house. Among them were former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and even Harry Truman’s wife’s Uncle Eddie.

William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, made use of the Little White House when he visited in 1912. He’d arrived to inspect the world-renowned Panama Canal, built during his presidency.

The Little White House was also used when President John F. Kennedy chose it as his Winter White House in 1961. Kennedy was looking for an escape to the Florida Keys. The president spent a whopping 45 days in the House before he had to attend to important matters in Washington.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to stay at the Little White House in 1932, and since then, many presidents have followed in his footsteps. President Dwight D. Eisenhower stayed at the Little White House in 1955 and 1956 during his terms in office. President John F. Kennedy visited in 1962. In the 1980s, Key West underwent a transformation and became a tourist destination, where President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton sought relaxation.

President Harry S. Truman became renowned for his declaration, “the buck stops here,” emphasizing the President’s responsibility to make final decisions on crucial national matters. Truman often mentioned the desk sign in public statements. He diligently worked daily at his desk in the living room of the Little White House, where the iconic “The Buck Stops Here” sign can be seen.

During World War I, Edison was asked to help the war effort by using his expertise to develop new technologies. He was appointed to the Naval Consulting Board and worked with the Navy to develop new weapons and technologies. One of Edison’s most notable contributions during WWI was the development of the Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida. This facility was used to develop and test new weapons and technologies for the Navy. Edison was also involved in the development of the first submarine detection system, which was used to detect enemy submarines.

Please make our CASTmembers aware if you require accommodations. We will gladly provide a tour script guide upon request.

At Historic Tours of America , we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service to all people, including individuals with disabilities. In order to provide the proper accommodations, all we ask is that we are given due notice in order to select the proper services. Our selection process involves use of the ADA information line to vet and secure local interpreter services. As a title III entity, our number one goal is to provide an effective accommodation that will ensure you have a memorable time with us.