Please note: The courtyard is temporarily closed. For the first time since our opening in 1957, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is completely reimagining all exterior landscaping. This includes the courtyard, which serves as the resting place for President Truman, First Lady Bess Truman, their daughter, Margaret Truman Daniel, and her husband, Clifton Daniel. During this process, we are taking all precautions to protect this sacred area, and the gravesites will not be disturbed.
The courtyard serves as the final resting place for Harry S. Truman, Bess Wallace Truman, E. Clifton Daniel, Jr., and Margaret Truman Daniel. Visitors wishing to pay respects to the gravesites, and not enter the museum exhibits, may do so for free. Harry Truman died on December 26, 1972, at the age of 88. His funeral took place in the Library auditorium and he is buried here in the Library courtyard. Bess Truman lived another decade in their home up the street. She died on October 18, 1982, and was buried next to her husband. Clifton Daniel died on February 21, 2000. Margaret Truman Daniel died on January 29, 2008.
The “Eternal Flame of Freedom” was dedicated to the memory of President Truman on March 15, 1991. It was a gift to the Library from the Tirey J. Ford American Legion Post 21 of Independence, the post to which Truman belonged.
You can also access President Truman’s working office and its exhibit about the early years of the Truman Library through the courtyard. Mr. Truman worked at the Library almost daily from 1957 until 1966. He met visiting dignitaries and journalists; sent and received thousands of letters; directed many library activities; welcomed visitors; met with student groups; and even answered the phone.