Mural painting and decoration

Copy of a page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library.

Copy of a page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library.

Copy of a page from the Thomas Hart Benton papers on the proposed mural for the Harry S. Truman Library.

Photograph of mural, "Dedication of the Memorial Site November 1, 1921", depicting portraits of the five Allied leaders of World War I and more than 100 Kansas Citians who were present at the original dedication for Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. The work was created by Kansas City artist Daniel MacMorris and was dedicated on May 30, 1950.

Thomas Hart Benton addressing the gathering at the dedication of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West." At left, Eugene Savage, Rita Benton, former president Harry S. Truman, David D. Lloyd, Chief Justice Earl Warren, Wayne Grover, archivist of the United States, and Bess Wallace Truman seated.

General scene looking toward the Harry S. Truman Library, with guests in the foreground. Eugene Savage addressing the gathering at the Dedication of the mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West," by Thomas Hart Benton.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and Thomas Hart Benton pose for the press before the dedication of the mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Former President Harry S. Truman painting a small portion of the mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. Artist Thomas Hart Benton is looking on.

Former President Harry S. Truman and Thomas Hart Benton on scaffolding, posing for photographers. Benton is painting the mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri.

Former President Harry S. Truman climbing the scaffolding to chat with artist Thomas Hart Benton and get a closer look at his mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri.