This curriculum is designed to accompany the Truman Library and Museum’s permanent exhibition, “An Ordinary Man, His Extraordinary Journey.” The purpose of this curriculum guide is to help teachers prepare students for their on-site museum experience through the use of various resources and activities. Hopefully, you will find the information contained within useful for understanding the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman.
President Truman wanted his library to be both a place of education and a place for the papers and artifacts that document his White House years. Using the artifacts, documents, and historical information available at the Truman Library and Museum to teach young people about government, history, and the presidency fulfills this important vision President Truman had for his library.
The curriculum is designed to meet local, state, and national history and social studies standards and the common core standards.
| Truman's early life | Truman's first term | Truman's second term and post presidency |
|---|---|---|
| Truman's early life | The Atomic Bomb | Red Scare |
| Dear Bessie | Rebuilding Europe and Marshall Plan | Korean War |
| Communication and technology | Berlin Airlift | White House renovation |
| Grandview Farm | 1948 Election | Three Branches of Government |
| Transportation | Recognition of Israel | Oval Office |
| Captain Truman (World War I) | Civil Rights | Benton mural |