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Up To Date

America's Historic Home Improvement Job, And Singing Praise Across Cultures

By Steve Kraske
Published April 4, 2017 at 1:32 PM CDT
The U.S. National Archives
After a lengthy survey of the structural integrity of the White House, nearly the entire building was reconstructed, including this portion of the lower corridor, below, and the East Room, above

When President Harry Truman moved into the White House, he thought the creaks and groans meant it was haunted. It turns out it was just in imminent danger of collapse. Today, hear the story of how the executive mansion was completely gutted and restored. Then, what takes more than seven years and 900 international volunteers to complete? The executive director-to-be of The Hymn Society details the task of rewriting a hymnal and making sacred music for the modern world.

Robert Klara will present 'Life In The White House: Truman's Extreme Home Makeover' at the Truman Library Institute at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 6. The program is free. To RSVP, visit TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.

Tags
Up To Date Talk ShowWhite HouseHarry TrumanconstructionrenovationhomesBooksreligionvolunteeringHealthchoral musichistory
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
See stories by Steve Kraske