About the Program
Matthew Algeo retraces the road trip that President Harry Truman and his wife Bess took in the summer of 1953 from Independence, Missouri to New York City and back sans secret service. The nineteen-day trip, attempted by the former first couple in anonymity, brought them face to face with the American public as they frequented family owned roadside stands, stores, and motels. This event was hosted by the Kansas City Public Library in Kansas City, Missouri.