Harry S Truman Homestead

Funny how you can live right next to something for 15 years and still not visit. That is the case with the Truman home. I have taken the kids up to Independence to see all they have up there when they were littles... but never really made time to see the homestead.

It is less than 2 blocks from my house.

During the spring planning meeting with the Southland Home Educators we decided on a trip to see what we could. I called the National Park Rangers and they blessed us beyond my imagination. They had never done a home school group before and were so very willing to provide all that they could. Ranger James was awesome!

Because our group was so large, and because of the rule of only 6 visitors twice daily, we were not able to go into the home. Instead we were provided Ranger books and a customized tour.

Ranger James here telling the kids about how Harry built a tennis court for Betsy in front of the house so she would come visit more often.

Pointing out where the stone markers are.

Explaining the vastness of the farm and how far it used to stretch.

Gatta love those old front porches!

The kids worked together to fill in their Ranger books. They can use these again when we visit the Independence home, jail and courthouse.

Abby just had to see what his Chicken coop had that ours doesn't.

Most of Trumans famous quotes came from his experiences here in this home.

Here the kids are being sworn in as official Junior Rangers. They took serious "to preserve and protect"...

And Aaron, who was the oldest of this crowd, as he got his certificate, badge and pin.