Art and History to Blend in Two Events at Key West’s Truman Little White House

Creative spirits can explore the connection between art and history during two TRU-ly Amazing Art events at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House — and even paint with a descendant of the former president.

The first event, a plein air painting competition, is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 12, and features artist Wesley Daniel, Truman’s great-grandson. Each participant is to be provided with an authentic 1911 roof shingle from the Little White House to use as a canvas during the open-air exploration of creativity. 

Competition winners are to be announced that evening during a performance of Truman-era tunes by the five-piece Heart Starters Jazz Band on the north lawn of the Little White House. 

The second upcoming TRU-ly Amazing Art event is a “paint and sip” experience from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. While savoring distinctive vintages on the Little White House lawn, each aspiring artist can paint on a 1911 roof shingle from the property — ending with a piece of self-crafted artistry whose “canvas” holds unique historic value. 

During his 1945-1953 administration, Truman spent 11 working vacations at the sprawling West Indian–style residence that became known around the world as his Little White House. As well as relaxing, he used the visits to consider momentous policy decisions and conduct meetings away from Washington’s more constrained atmosphere.

Today the meticulously restored property at 111 Front St. is Florida’s only presidential museum. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is open daily for tours and hosts an annual gathering of presidential descendants each February.

TRU-ly Amazing Art events are organized by the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, whose mission is to preserve the Little White House and present programming related to the Truman era.

Cost of each art program is $35 per person. For the Heart Starters performance, both two-top and four-top tables are available and prices start at $100 for a two-top. Truman Foundation members receive special pricing.

Event information and ticketing: trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events/

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