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President Harry S. Truman and the "Big Four"

President Harry S. Truman (sitting) meets with the "Big Four" Congressional leaders from Capitol Hill for the first time after taking office. Standing from left to right are: Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, Senator Kenneth McKellar of Tennessee, Senate Majority Leader Alben Barkley of Kentucky, and House Majority Leader John W. McCormack of Massachusetts. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

Matt Connelly Swearing In Ceremony

Matthew Connelly (foreground left) is sworn in as Senior Secretary by Administrative Officer Frank K. Sanderson (foreground right) as President Harry S. Truman (sitting) and other members of his Secretarial staff look on. Standing next to President Truman, with a large handkerchief in her pocket, is his personal secretary Rose Conway. All others are unidentified. From the scrapbooks of Matt Connelly, Vol. 1.

German Surrender Press Conference

President Harry S. Truman (left) holds a press conference, officially announcing the end of the war in Europe after Germany's unconditional surrender. Behind the President is: Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, Appointment Secretary Matthew Connelly (standing), Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, Senator Kenneth McKellar, Administrative Assistant Eddie McKim, Press Secretary Stephen Early (standing), Jonathan Daniels, Attorney General Francis Biddle, and Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins (in black hat). All others are unidentified.

President Harry S. Truman Announces the Surrender of Japan

President Harry S. Truman (standing at desk) announces the surrender of Japan to the assembled reporters in the Oval Office. Seated on couch, left to right: David Niles (wearing round glasses, seated on the arm of the couch); Reathel Odum; First Lady Bess W. Truman; Samuel Rosenman, Special Counsel; and John W. Snyder, Director, Office of War Mobilization and Reconversion. Also pictured: Secretary of State James Byrnes (behind President Truman, right) and Attorney General Tom Clark (standing, second from right).