Independence celebrates expanded historic district
Dedication of National Historic Landmark District plaque (May 4, 2013)
Independence celebrated the expansion of the Truman National Historic Landmark District with a ceremony dedicating a district historic marker.
The expanded district was highlighted in a front page Kansas City Star article discussing the significance of the expansion which includes over 560 properties. of which 455 are "contributing" properties to the district.
The article quotes National Park Service Jeff Wade: “The neighborhood helped keep Harry Truman grounded. He remembered that the presidency was temporary, and he would have to go back home and answer to those people in Independence.”
The official nomination contains detailed information about the neighborhood and individual homes and buildings.
New book on Truman's Independence
The dedication included several speakers including historian Jon Taylor who has just published a book Harry Truman's Independence: The Center of the World.
National Historic Landmarks are designated by the US. Secretary of Interior and represent sites where events of national historical significance occurred; places where prominent persons lived or worked; icons of ideals that shaped the nation; outstanding examples of design or construction; places characterizing a way of life; or archeological sites able to yield information.
Related information
- Truman biographer and Pulitizer-prize winning author David McCullough speech (May 8, 1993) on Independence and preservation issues
- Manuscript about creation of the original Truman National Historic Landmark District and preservation issues in the neighborhood.