National Archives: Harry S. Truman Presidential Mural

Independence Square • National Main Street Conference • Permanent Public Installation

A large portrait painting of an older man wearing glasses and a suit, with a serious expression, mounted on a wooden stand inside a building. HARRY S TRUMAN ARCY LIVE EVENT MURAL NATIONAL ARCHIVES PARTNERSHIP

Event Overview

Commissioned in conjunction with the National Main Street Conference, ARCY was selected to create a large-scale mural honoring President Harry S. Truman in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. The project blended contemporary mural art with historical preservation, celebrating Truman’s legacy in a modern, publicly accessible format.

Originally painted in 2018 for the national conference, the artwork became a permanent piece within Independence Square and later expanded into additional installations tied directly to Truman’s historic home and museum.

A colorful mural of a man with glasses and gray hair, with the text 'The BUCK STOPS here!' painted on the wall. In the background, there are various buildings, including a brick courthouse with a clock tower and a modern office building, with cars parked in front of the buildings and a man operating a lift next to the mural.

Location & Historical Significance

The rooftop mural is positioned in the heart of downtown Independence, adjacent to the Jackson County Courthouse and minutes from the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site. The placement connects the artwork directly to the physical landscape of Truman’s life and presidency.

ARCY worked in coordination with staff from the National Park Service and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, receiving private access to both sites to ensure historical sensitivity, accuracy, and contextual alignment with Truman’s legacy.

Front page of The Kansas City Star newspaper dated October 21, 2021, featuring a headline about COVID-19 vaccinations for children, an image of a mural of former President Harry S. Truman, ARCU

Media Coverage & Public Visibility

The mural’s installation drew regional and national attention, including coverage from KMBC 9 News, documenting the live creation process and its cultural impact on the community. Positioned above a former bank Truman once managed, the mural features his iconic quote, “The Buck Stops Here,” reinforcing the site’s historical relevance.

The project engaged thousands of visitors annually through its prominent downtown placement and continues to serve as a visual landmark within Independence Square.

Reproduction print of Harry S. Truman painted by ARCY, showing a portrait of Truman with glasses against a background with splashes of paint.

Archival Recognition & Lasting Impact

Following its completion, a high-resolution reproduction of the mural was officially licensed and made available through the National Archives eStore, with proceeds supporting educational and exhibition programming at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.

This partnership uniquely bridges contemporary mural art with the permanent archival mission of the National Archives and Records Administration, demonstrating ARCY’s ability to execute work of national historical significance while maintaining artistic integrity and public accessibility.