First Ladies Legacies Explored at Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. — America’s First Ladies were in the spotlight Jan. 23-24 at the Harry S. Truman Little White House, where the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation hosted a two-night program exploring their legacies and influence. Presented in partnership with America250, the event was part of a nationwide series of programs connected to the upcoming U.S. Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.

The weekend opened Friday evening with a moderated panel discussion featuring Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride and Nancy Kegan Smith, co-authors of “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.” The authors discussed the evolving role of presidential spouses from the nation’s founding through modern times, drawing on their research and professional experience in presidential history, communications and public service.

Saturday’s program featured an intimate conversation titled “Remembering the Boss: Bess Truman,” with Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman, and Anita B. McBride, a nationally recognized expert on the history and role of America’s First Ladies. Together, Daniel and McBride examined Bess Truman’s life and legacy, blending personal family perspective with historical and institutional insight.

Daniel shared reflections drawn from family memories and letters, while McBride contextualized these private moments through her recent contribution to “In Pursuit”— a national essay series focused on strengthening shared civic memory ahead of America’s Semiquincentennial—highlighting how Bess Truman navigated the complexities of life in the White House and left a lasting impact on the presidency.

Both evenings were moderated by Dr. Kurt Graham, president of the Adams Presidential Center and former director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, who guided conversations examining both the public responsibilities and private dimensions of presidential life.
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The mission of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation is to preserve the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, and to provide programming that supports civic engagement, education, and the historic and cultural influences of the Truman era.  America250 is a nonpartisan commission established by Congress to lead the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.