Mr. Truman's Neighborhood

Harry S Truman was always adverse about things being named after him. He didn't care for the word "statesman," as he thought that implied that the person was deceased.

He had no choice about the naming of the Harry S. Truman Library, although he was determined that his beloved Library be dedicated to educating the people about the American people about their government, and the American President's role in it. It was not to be about Harry Truman.

Shortly before Harry S Truman died, he permitted a zone around the family home at 219 North Delaware to be included in a small historic district. Eventually that district grew, and a few years ago, the Harry S Truman Historic District became a National Historic Landmark.

So, what the heck is a historic district? And what the heck is a National Historic Landmark?

The park recently built a page with videos and photographs that explain what these are, and how the area around 219 North Delaware Street play a role.

In short, we believe that if Harry S Truman were with us today, he would very much recognize the neighborhood he loved so dearly, and applaud some of the progress that has been made. He would be thrilled that the Gingko tree on Maple Street is still thriving, and tell it it was doing "a good job."

You can find this new page on the Harry S Truman Historic District National Historic Landmark here.