Presidential libraries

Artist Thomas Hart Benton studying at sketch while working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Artist Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural for the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library, entitled "Independence and the Opening of the West".

Thomas Hart Benton working on his mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Artist Thomas Hart Benton (right) shows color sketch of proposed mural for the lobby of the Truman Library to former President Harry S. Truman (left). In the background on the right is Thomas Jay, regional commissioner for the General Services Administration.

Thomas Hart Benton (upper right, on scaffolding) working on his mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library. The other man is local artist Sidney Larson.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and artist Thomas Hart Benton on scaffolding at the Harry S. Truman Library. Mr. Truman paints a bit on Mr. Benton's mural "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Truman Library.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) and Thomas Hart Benton standing in the doorway in the center of Benton's mural, "Independence and the Opening of the West" in the lobby of the Harry S. Truman Library.

Jack Benny (left) and Former President Harry S. Truman (right) in the Harry S. Truman Library. Mr. Benny is filming his television show there.