“We are not any of us happy to be where we are but there's nothing to be done about it except to do our best…”
First Ladies of the US Bess Truman Full Image

Elizabeth Truman


Elizabeth “Bess” Virginia Wallace Truman
Years of service: 1945-1953
Born: 1885


First Ladies of the US Bess Truman Full Image

After the suicide of Bess Wallace’s father and the social scandal it caused, Bess carried a life-long disdain for public attention. Caring for her devastated mother in the long aftermath was a heavy private burden. By the time she became First Lady, following in the daunting steps of Eleanor Roosevelt, she firmly refused to give press conferences. However, behind the scenes, she ceaselessly and devotedly worked beside her husband on all aspects of his political career. She made a rare public statement supporting a new steel structure to preserve and renovate the original but crumbling White House.

 

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Notice of Temporary Closure

Closed until further notice

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the National First Ladies Library & Museum—including the Visitor Center, Museum, Research Library, Gift Shop, and the historic Saxton McKinley House—will be closed until further notice.

For the latest updates on the First Ladies National Historic Site, please visit www.nps.gov/fila. Updates on our reopening will also be shared here on our website and through our social media channels.

We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able.