Join Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the Adams Presidential Center at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum from 8:30am – 12:30pm on September 24, 2026, for a special America250 professional development opportunity.
In this workshop, titled Founding Friends, Founding Foes, all three presidential institutions will explore complicated civic friendships whose discourse and partnerships defined American policies. Teachers will analyze the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, going from allies in 1776 to bitter political rivals and friends again in retirement. They will examine how Truman’s complex relationships with cabinet members and military leaders led to the expansion of American foreign policy.
Teachers will consider how these relationships can inspire students to engage in civil discourse and friendships today, while leaving with strategies and resources to implement immediately in the classroom.
This workshop is free and open to all current educators. Lunch and Museum admission are included. Space is limited.
The first 12 teachers from both Missouri and Kansas will receive each $75 stipend to support substitute funding, graciously provided by Missouri Council for History Education and Kansas Council for History Education.
5:30 PM Reception
6:00 PM Author Event
6:45 PM Q&A Session
7:00 PM Book Signing
Craig Fehrman is a journalist, historian, and New York Times best-selling author. The Wall Street Journal called his first book, Author in Chief, “one of the best books on the American presidency to appear in recent years.” The New York Times called his second book, This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis and Clark, “a page-turner and a fantastic achievement.” Fehrman lives in Indiana with his wife and children.
This event is free and open to the public.
Museum Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Fun on the Fourth: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate America’s Independence in Independence, Missouri!
As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Truman Library Institute is proud to sponsor a community celebration for all ages.
Free Fun on the Fourth features 3 Trails West — one of the few practitioners of true cowboy music in Kansas City. Passionate about vintage Western music, the award-winning band draws inspiration from the Silver Screen Era of Cowboy Music and Bob Wills-style swing. Laced with humor and audience interaction, 3TW is a family-oriented show band.
There’s no better place than the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum to reflect on the ideals that shaped our nation and to be inspired to help write the story of America’s next 250 years.
Watch this page for full details to follow.
Schedule:
9 a.m. – Model T Car Show, presented by KC Chuggers
10 a.m. – Jim Mair Trio (Grammy-nominated and award-winning jazz musicians)
10 a.m. – Magic by Johnny “Aces” Holiday (aka Kelly Rusk of the renowned Kansas City Gangster Tour)
This community event is free and open to the public; museum admission is not included.
BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIR
Flag Day is Sunday, June 14. The official date commemorates June 14, 1977, when the Continental Congress adopted the first American flag. In 1949, President Truman signed legislation establishing Flag Day as an official national observance.
