History was made with several discussions and decisions of President Truman’s while staying at the Little White House. He created the Truman Doctrine that changed American foreign policy, wrote the fourth Civil Rights Executive Order, which required Federal contractors to hire minorities, and recognized the State of Israel. President Truman once wrote in a letter to family that while he was on “vacation” at the Little White House in Key West, he typically signed his name 200-600 times a day for official business.
Every year since 2003 a symposium regarding the legacy of Harry S. Truman has been held in Key West at the Little White House. This year the symposium will be held May 13-14. The 2011 symposium entitled “The Civil Liberties Legacy of Harry S. Truman”, will feature a conference of prominent scholars exploring how the Truman administration dealt with the challenges to civil liberties during the time of the country’s obsession with communism and spies.
The symposium begins with a reception on Friday evening, May 13th at 6:00 p.m. with greetings from directors of the Little White House and President Truman’s eldest grandson. A keynote address will be given at 7:15 p.m. by guest of honor, Ronald Radosh, author of A Safe Haven: Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel. After the keynote address, guided tours will be given of the Little White House.
On Saturday, May 14th the conference will be held at the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel. This full day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will include opening remarks, a keynote address by Richard S. Kirkendall from the University of Washington, and panel discussions with topics such as “Truman, McCarthy and McCarthyism”, “Harry Truman and the Japanese Americans”, “The Truman Presidency and the FBI”, and “Truman, the Press, and Civil Liberties”. The conference will continue with luncheon speaker Clifton Truman Daniel’s presentation on his recently released book, Dear Harry, Love, Bess – The Lost Letters Between Harry Truman and Bess Wallace.
Tours of Key West’s Little White House, which are offered 365 days of the year, share a glimpse into the life of Harry S. Truman as well as the politics of the Cold War and the naval history of Key West. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy used the Little White House on occasion during their administrations. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton used the Little White House for gatherings and weekend retreats. Enjoy a preview of the Little White House here.
It is easy to understand why presidents chose to vacation and work in Key West. The same reasons still hold true for you to choose Key West! I am ready to assist in your choice of real estate in this beautiful location of fun and history. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.