The author and her husband, Hal Marzell, enjoyed a tour of the President Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida, while on a recent trip to this charming city. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Many educators would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is travel. Travel allows the student—and the teacher who practices lifelong learning—to fully experience a locale with all the senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. And one of the most interesting destinations for travel for both students and teachers is Key West. On a recent visit to this charming little city, my husband Hal and I toured the President Harry S. Truman Little White House.

This museum house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and is Florida’s only presidential museum. The structure was originally built in 1890 as a residence for officers in the US Navy. However, the home has served important visitors such as inventor Thomas Edison, who occupied the home during World War I while he was working on depth charge research for the Navy. It has also been used by six American presidents. The home served as the winter White House of President Truman, who spent 175 days of his presidency there during the years of 1946 through 1952. These were times when Truman faced such daunting tasks as rebuilding Europe following WWII and responding to such pressing issues as the Palestine question, Civil Rights, labor unrest, changes in US foreign policy, and the national response to the Cold War.

In addition to Truman, other sitting presidents who spent time at the Key West retreat include William Howard Taft in 1912; Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955-1956; and John F. Kennedy in 1961 and 1962. Presidents who spent time there after they left office include Jimmy Carter in 1996 and 2007 and Bill Clinton in 2005.

Here is the presidential limousine used by Truman while he was in office. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

To my eye, the house seemed charming, yet very humble for a presidential home. This is in keeping with what I’ve learned by Truman in my reading—it seems that he was a very unassuming man who lived a very modest lifestyle. This house was furnished primarily in 1940’s rattan pieces featuring cotton chintz-covered cushions in green and red florals, matching draperies, and walls painted in a soothing shade of celery green. The most intriguing furniture piece was Truman’s poker table, a gift constructed in 1949 specifically for him by three civilian contractors working in the US Naval Station cabinet shop. Truman was an avid poker player. Historical items such as President Truman’s briefcase, books, telephone, and his famous “The Buck Stops Here” sign are still on display on the desk he used. And visitors can also see his presidential limousine on display. The grounds are lovely, with expansive green lawns and lush tropical plants throughout. In fact, the site is one of the very few presidential sites that can be rented for social events and weddings.

A visit to this museum house would certainly supplement history lessons about the time period when Truman was president, and would serve to inspire conversations about Truman as a historical figure.

If it is possible to lead a field trip to Key West, the Truman Little White House is located at 111 Front Street in Key West, Florida. The house is open daily, year-round from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are $22.95 for visitors age 13 and over, and $10 for children age 4—10. Children under 4 are free. If visiting in person, you can enjoy an informative tour with a knowledgable guide. You and your students can also learn more about the site by clicking on this website: Truman Little White House. Whether your visit is in person or online, I bid you happy learning!