History fans visiting the vacation island Key West should not miss the Truman Little White House. Here, you can learn more about famous US presidents, admire original interiors from the past and immerse yourself in over a century of American history. Exciting events make the Truman White House a perfect place for the whole family.
HISTORY OF THE TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
November 1946: Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, is feeling weary after his first year in office. The hustle and bustle in Washington, DC has left its mark. His physician suggests a vacation in a warm and sunny climate. Luckily, there is an officer’s residence on Key West that has already housed celebrities like Thomas Edison and W. H. Taft. For Truman, however, this house quickly becomes more than a vacation home. In his “Little White House” the democrat meets with his staff and makes important decisions. His successors Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kenney also like to spend their time here. In 1991, this valuable piece of American history is declared a museum. However, to this day the house still serves as a venue for official duties from time to time.
THINGS TO SEE AT THE TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
You van visit the Little White House on an official tour that takes place every 15–20 minutes and lasts about 45–55 minutes. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the private quarters and the study of Harry S. Truman. The interiors have hardly changed since the time he left office – from the bedroom to the dining hall and the office where Truman used to sign important documents. You can even see the president’s fountain pen. Countless photographs clearly show that American history was written here. And what did the world’s most powerful man do to unwind? Play Texas Hold´em, of course. On the tour, you can still admire Truman’s poker table.
Afterwards, you can pay a visit to the gift shop to buy souvenirs like books, mugs, T-shirts, hats, buttons and postcards.
OPENING HOURS AND FEES AT THE TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
The museum is open every day from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Holidays are no exception. Since the Little White House is still a presidential residence, it may be closed to the public on short notice. Therefore, you should check the opening times on the official website www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com. On-site parking is not available. The nearest parking lot is located on Front Street.
If you buy them at the museum, tickets cost 22.52 USD for adults, 10.75 USD for children aged 4–12, and 20.37 USD for senior citizens and students. You can save money by purchasing your tickets on the website.
EVENTS AT THE TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
In Truman’s times, there were always people coming and going at the Little White House. Still today, the place serves as a venue for countless events: from concerts and lectures to fundraisers. In spring, little guests can go on an Easter egg hunt on the lawn, at the Tropical Fruit Festival, the University of Florida sells sweet fruits, and a fun garden party awaits you at the Bourbon & Barbecue Fest. If you want to know how the Trumans used to celebrate Christmas, you should join the Little White House Holiday Tours offered in December. Then, you can tour the festively decorated house and see exhibitions that are usually closed to the public.
Have you always wanted to eat at the same table as Mr. President himself? Then, you should book the dining hall with room for 14 guests. Thanks to its spacious lawn and nostalgic flair, the Truman Little White House is also a popular venue for weddings.
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE
The Truman Little White House is located at the western end of Key West.
