BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS 2 0 2 6 - 2 7 E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M S
Your Students Belong Here. Every student has a moment when history clicks. A moment when it feels real. • Elementary School: The spark when a student steps inside Truman’s Oval Office and imagines being president. • Middle School: The curiosity of a student captivated by the story of the Berlin Airlift and what it reveals about leadership and humanity. •H igh School: The ninth-grader at the podium in The White House Decision Center, playing the role of President Truman, confidently fielding questions from a room full of reporters. History stops being something to memorize and becomes something she has to answer for. That moment is what we do. TRU Education programs are inquiry-driven and experiential. Whether your students are analyzing artifacts on a guided museum tour, competing in our High School Trivia contest, or stepping into the shoes of Cold War decision-makers in the White House Decision Center, they leave with a connection to history and a sense of civic purpose that endures long after they board their bus. And, teachers, we haven’t forgotten about you. All year, we offer professional development opportunities in partnership with national organizations—including Retro Report, the Bill of Rights Institute, and Ford’s Theatre. Thank you for choosing the Truman Library as a trusted educational partner. Let’s make this a year where your students don’t just learn about democracy. They experience it. All our best, Stacy Benson Learning and Community Engagement Director Stacy.Benson@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org 816.520.4440 Ben Meyer White House Decision Center Director Ben.Meyer@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org 573.629.7431 Angie Allison Curriculum Specialist and WHDC Facilitator Angie.Allison@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org 816.830.9910 P.S. Teachers, this one’s for you. Sharon McMahon, America’s Government Teacher, headlines the Bennett Forum on December 3. Members only. Scan to join.
4 Ways to Kick Off a Year Packed with Transformative Experiences We Invite You to: Tour the award-winning Museum Experience the nationally acclaimed White House Decision Center Explore digital resources in your classroom Engage in professional development opportunities
SAVE THESE DATES NOVEMBER 9, 2026
High School Trivia Contest
DECEMBER 3, 2026
Bennett Forum Featuring Sharon McMahon and Colleen Shogan
FEBRUARY 27, 2027
G reater Kansas City National History Day Contest Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change
MARCH 27, 2027
O ur War Too: Women in Service Special Exhibition Opens
MARCH 31, 2027
Bill of Rights Institute Professional Development
MAY 4, 2027
Teacher Appreciation Night
JUNE 21-24, 2027
Ford’s Theatre Workshop
JULY 12-16, 2027
M arylou and John D. Turner Summer Teacher Conference Applications available in December 2027
TrumanLibraryInstitute.org
TrumanLibrary.gov
NARA.gov
GUIDED MUSEUM TOURS Grades K-12
Program Cost: FREE
Students don’t just learn here—they love it here! Designed to engage and excite students, each gallery offers hands-on learning experiences and focuses on our nation’s most dramatic stories, from the Great War and World War II to Civil Rights and the Cold War, offering critical insights into moments that continue to shape our world today. Our guided school tours are inquiry-based to keep student learning and engagement high. Each tour includes one adult admission for every 10 students. Sample themes include:
4 | MUSEUM TOURS
ow did changes in technology influence Truman’s life and presidency? H How did Truman’s past prepare him for the presidency and the decisions he made? How did wars and conflicts affect Truman’s life and presidency? You can book your tour online or call us at 816-268-8221. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Book Your Tour Today! Our War Too: Women in Service Opens March 27, 2027
MUSEUM TOURS | 5
Explore the galleries
« WHITE HOUSE DECISION CENTER Grades 6-12
Program Cost: $12/student
An experiential, collaborative learning program, The White House Decision Center (WHDC) invites students of all learning levels to step into the roles of President Truman and his advisors and tackle some of the greatest challenges ever faced by a world leader: Ending the War with Japan Addressing Postwar Civil Rights Reacting to the Soviet Blockade of Berlin Addressing the End of the British Mandate in Palestine Responding to the Communist Invasion of South Korea
6 | WHITE HOUSE DECISION CENTER
The White House Decision Center accommodates up to 72 students per session. Program, transportation and substitute teacher expense assistance are available through our “Bus Stops Here” Field Trip Grants.
Teacher Voices. Lasting Impact. The WHDC is simply the best collaborative, experiential learning opportunity available in this region. — Valerie Shrag, Lawrence High School
— Tony Muyco, Affton High School
Scan to claim your spot—WHDC sessions fill fast!
— Diana Casebolt, Pioneer Ridge Middle School
In an era dominated by digital screens and AI-generated answers, experiential learning— the process of learning through reflection on doing—has never been more vital. For students, especially those who are naturally shy or hesitant to speak up in a traditional classroom, a site-based experience like the WHDC offers a unique catalyst for engagement. — Emily Saatcioglu, Bishop Ward High School
WHITE HOUSE DECISION CENTER | 7
The White House Decision Center at the Truman Library and Museum was instrumental in preparing my students for their AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. The ‘Ending the War with Japan’ simulation gave them a firsthand understanding of presidential and executive power — knowledge they were able to draw on directly when answering exam questions.
Students show ways of communicating that we don’t always see in the classroom. They are put into situations that naturally bring out leadership skills. Students love to be able to work with different groups, share their thinking, and get a chance to participate in an activity that is not in the classroom.
Learners Become Leaders at The White House Decision Center Grounded in historical documents, The WHDC provides a setting to practice core lifelong skills that prepare students for academic and career success:
8 | WHITE HOUSE DECISION CENTER
Leadership Complex Problem Solving Communication Teamwork Active Listening Diplomacy All simulations align with Missouri and Kansas curriculum standards in government, history, English Language Arts (ELA) and geography.
Book Your WHDC Sessions Today! WHDC Director Ben Meyer Email TheWhiteHouseDecisionCenter@gmail.com New to the WHDC? Check out students in action!
THE BUS STOPS HERE!
Your school may qualify for a field trip grant. Learn more on page 13.
WHITE HOUSE DECISION CENTER | 9
NO FUNDS? NO PROBLEM!
NATIONAL HISTORY DAY Greater Kansas City National History Day Contest Grades 6-12 Program Cost: FREE 2027 Theme: Innovation in History: Impact, Influence, Change The Truman Library is your partner for all things National History Day, from preliminary workshops to advanced training for national champions. Please contact us for resources, sample student entries and workshops to help your students. NHD Regional Contest: February 7, 2027
10 | NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
Scan to watch our 2026 NHD workshop. Discover classroom-ready tools and time-saving tips.
«H IGH SCHOOL
TRIVIA CONTEST Grades 9-12 Registration Fee: FREE November 9, 2026, 6:00-7:30 PM Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum Learn more and register a six-student team today!
What Teachers Are Saying: In addition to students learning how to best research, NHD is wonderful to see kids excited about contests that are academic. — Derek Frieling, Troy High School
National History Day is so much more than a competition; it gives students the opportunity to develop invaluable research, critical-thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their academic journeys and future careers.” —Stacy Burton, Liberty Middle School
NHD provides students with an outlet to showcase their research, presentation, and creativity, making them better-prepared for real-world opportunities. — Pam Stafford, William Chrisman High School
Learn more about National History Day!
HIGH SCHOOL TRIVIA CONTEST | 11
Join us for an epic night of intense battles and fierce matchups down to the last round! Kansas and Missouri students flex their brains each fall for honor and prizes in the Truman Library’s High School Trivia Contest. Join us for the 2026 challenge and a night of guaranteed trivia fun!
SUMMER TEACHER CONFERENCE July 12-16, 2027 Presidents in Times of Crisis Registration opens Dec. 2026 Reinvigorate your classroom teaching by learning with like-minded colleagues from across the United States! Hosted every summer, the Marylou and John D. Turner Summer Teacher Conference is a five-day professional development workshop designed to help teachers create a deeper understanding of content knowledge, strengthen classroom best practices and connect historical relevance. Open to K-12 classroom teachers, this workshop also features sessions with education teams from various presidential libraries and sites. This fantastic week includes complimentary breakfast and lunch daily, and teachers from outside the Kansas City metropolitan area are provided a free private hotel room for five nights. Applications available December 2026. Space is limited. Apply early!
More Professional Learning Opportunities
12 | SUMMER TEACHER CONFERENCE
Onsite Professional Development Our team of educators is available to make school-based presentations on historical inquiry methods, original source materials and Truman-era content. Or, let us customize a session to meet your needs! White House Decision Center Workshops Let the White House Decision Center host your professional development! Step into President Truman’s West Wing with your colleagues to examine how experiential learning, role-playing and primary sources can be combined to elevate your instructional practice. Schedule your session today! Contact Ben Meyer, White House Decision Center Director, Ben.Meyer@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org Sign up for our Educator Newsletter to stay updated about the Summer Teacher Conference and all professional development opportunities!
FIELD TRIP GRANTS As a leading institution in museum education, the THE BUS Truman Library Institute is STOPS HERE! proud to offer our “The Bus Stops Here” Field Trip Grant Program. To encourage and support field trips, this program increases access by underwriting museum admission and White House Decision Center fees, as well as bus and substitute teacher expenses for qualifying schools. To learn more, contact Ben.Meyer@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org
TRU Education programs are made possible by the Truman Library Institute and generous donations from our Community Partners in Education: Anonymous
Jan and Tom Kreamer
G. Kenneth and Ann Baum
Dr. Mordecai Kopperman
Philanthropic Fund
Bridget McCandless and Dennis Taylor Madeleine McDonough and Cyd Slayton
Stanley J. Bushman Philanthropic Fund
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation
Brig. General Jack L. Capps, USA (Ret.)
Karen and Steven Pack Family
Kim Chamberlin
Alan and Myra Rosenberg
JE Dunn Construction Company
Charitable Fund
Duration Capital Partners
Sherman Family Foundation
Ellen Farrior
The Sosland Foundation
Gattermeir Family Foundation
Ursula Terrasi and Jim Miller
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation
Mrs. John D. Turner
Sheryl Robinson and Steve Jacobson
Laura Welch Foundation
FIELD TRIP GRANTS | 13
Bonnie and Herb Buchbinder
STUDENT PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE TRU Education programs are not limited to history. Many offer cross-curricular combinations of History (H), Civics (C), English/Language Arts (ELA) and STEM. All TRU Education programs and resources are built around primary source documents, objects, images and videos.
Grades
Duration
Alignment Onsite/ History (H) Online/ Civics (C) Classroom ELA, STEM
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS Guided Museum Tours
K-5
60-90 min
Onsite
H, C
Civics for All of Us
K-5
30-60 min
Online
H, C, ELA
Digitized Primary Sources
K-5
Varies
Online
H, C, ELA
Guided Museum Tours
6-8
1.5 hrs
Onsite
H, C, STEM
White House Decision Center
6-8
3.5 hrs
Onsite
H, C, ELA
National History Day
6-8
N/A
N/A
Civics for All of Us
6-8
30-60 min
Online
H, C, ELA
6-8
Varies
Online
H, C, ELA
Guided Museum Tours
9-12
1.5 hrs
Onsite
White House Decision Center
9-12
3.5 hrs
Onsite
National History Day
9-12
N/A
N/A
High School Trivia Contest
9-12
1.5 hrs
Onsite
H, C
Civics for All of Us
9-12
60 min
Online
H, C, ELA
9-12
Varies
Online
H, C, ELA
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Digital Resources and Virtual Exhibits
H, C, ELA, STEM
14 | PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Digital Resources and Virtual Exhibits
H, C, ELA, STEM H, C, ELA H, C, ELA, STEM
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DID YOU KNOW? The Truman Library holds over 23 million pages of documents – available to your students as primary sources.
Explore the life and times of Truman without leaving your school. Audiovisual Materials Collection Explore photographs, newsreels, and sound recordings from the Truman Library’s remarkably extensive visual and audio record of Truman’s life and presidency. Truman Library YouTube The Truman Library’s channel offers classroom-ready video from archival newsreel footage, recorded public programs, and oral history interviews, all organized into playlists for easy reference.
Membership has its rewards. Annual Teacher memberships are only $25 and include these year-long benefits:
Sign up for education alerts. CATCH ALL THE 2026-27 WORKSHOPS, PROGRAM REMINDERS, MUSEUM UPDATES AND MORE. SIGN UP TODAY!
DIGITAL RESOURCES AND MEMBERSHIPS | 15
•F ree Museum admission at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum • Free Museum admission at all Presidential Libraries managed by the National Archives • Museum Store discounts • Invitations to Member-only events • Free or discounted tickets to the annual Howard and Virginia Bennett Forum on the Presidency
All students everywhere should be able to experience this for themselves.
The WHDC wasn’t just about acting out a historical event— it was about understanding how leaders tackle complex issues with limited information and high stakes.
The best part of The White House Decision Center was working with friends and deciding together what we should do. We had to be like real advisors, we had to think fast and about only the information we had.
What Students Are Saying:
THINK BIG AT THE TRUMAN L I B R A R Y—WH E R E C I V I C S A N D HISTORY ARE ALIVE! Nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
5151 Troost Avenue, Suite 300 Kansas City, Missouri 64110