Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

The city of Independence, Missouri was famously the starting point for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails, as well as the hometown of President Harry Truman. These days, it boasts a a thriving arts scene and charming historic downtown.

Clinton’s Soda Fountain has been a pillar of the Independence community since the 1980s for its ice cream and nostalgic feel. As a teenager, President Harry Truman worked in the same building at a different ice cream shop.

The Neck was the largest Black neighborhood in Independence, but was demolished in the 1960s as part of the city’s urban renewal efforts. The city dedicated granite markers honoring the former neighborhood as part of its efforts to right the past.

After a short bump in popularity after the end of World War II, incumbent President Harry Truman quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. A temporary exhibit in Independence focuses on the ensuing 1948 election, and displays more than 100 artifacts connected to the historic campaign.

Clay Bauske has served as the curator of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum for over 40 years and is set to retire at the end of the month. During his time in the role, museum curation has changed dramatically — but he argues that how we view President Truman has also shifted over these last four decades.

In a new political tell-all book, "Romney: A Reckoning," journalist McKay Coppins explores Sen. Mitt Romney's political career, including his frustrations with one of Missouri's U.S. senators, Josh Hawley.

While the Kansas City region is home to robust public library systems, it also boasts specialized libraries that focus on individual subjects. These libraries have extensive collections devoted to arts, natural history, science and storytelling, and also offer events, activities, and exhibits for readers and researchers alike.

In the 1900s, the Neck neighborhood was the center of the Black community in Independence, Missouri. But by 1969, the neighborhood had been demolished — thanks to urban renewal policies put into place by President Harry S. Truman, who lived nearby. A special episode from the KCUR Studios podcast A People's History of Kansas City.

The Neck neighborhood was in the center of historic Independence, Missouri, and housed the biggest Black community in the city. When the Harry S. Truman Library was built to honor the president, urban renewal policies he put in place destroyed the neighborhood.

The Neck neighborhood was in the center of historic Independence and housed the biggest Black community in the city. When the Harry S. Truman Library was built to honor the president, urban renewal policies he put in place destroyed the neighborhood.

"Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors" is up through the end of the year at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

Artist Tom Corbin was chosen for the job by a committee that included members of the Truman family. His statue of the 33rd president, who was from Independence, Missouri, was dedicated this week.