“Presidential Families Weekend” in Key West, Florida, to feature Presidential descendant’s forum discussion, “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” stage production and more
Patricia Taft, second from right, with fellow presidential descendants, from left, Massee McKinley, Mary Jean Eisenhower, and Clifton Truman Daniel, addresses the audience at the 2023 “Presidential Families Weekend” moderated forum. (Photo: Carol Tedesco/TrumanLittleWhiteHouse.org)
The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with The Society of Presidential Descendants, is pleased to host a multi-day series of special events to be held in celebration of Presidents’ Day Weekend, all taking place on the elegant tropical grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, Florida, where 33rd U.S. President Truman spent 11 working vacations from 1945-53.
Saturday, February 17, 4:30pm: The 2024 “Presidential Descendants Forum” is to feature distinguished U.S. presidential descendants engaged before a live audience in a moderated discussion on the topic of “Political Maneuvering: The Powerful Influence of the Presidency.” Scheduled to participate are: James Carter, grandson of 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter; Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman; Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-great-grandson of 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant; Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower; Massee McKinley, great-great grandson of 22nd and 24th U.S. President Grover Cleveland; Patricia Taft, great-granddaughter of 27TH U.S. President William H. Taft, and moderator Dr. Kurt Graham, Director of Independence, Missouri’s federally operated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
Following the forum discussion, attending presidential descendants will introduce winners of this year’s Monroe County student essay competition, after which attendees can mingle and enjoy cocktails on the lawn.
Sunday, Feb.18, 10:00am until noon: Presentation by master artist Tom Corbin, creator of the monumental Harry S Truman bronze sculpture on display in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington D.C. Part of the Foundation’s TRU-ly Amazing Art series, Corbin will discuss the tools, research and processes he employed for his monumental undertaking, answer audience questions, and share insights on where he finds his inspiration.
Sunday, February 18 and Monday, February 19, 4:30pm: “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!”, the long running, highly acclaimed one-man show that spotlights the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman. Actor Clifton Truman Daniel has starred in the role since 2017 and is the first direct descendant to portray a presidential ancestor in a stage production of this kind. Tickets for previous year’s performances have quickly sold out.
Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 19, 11:30-1:30pm: The Little White House grounds will provide the setting for a family-friendly “Presidents’ Day Cookout,” with hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hotdogs available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic blanket for the event that will also include music and lawn games.
A cash bar is available at all the above listed events.
Other “Presidential Families Weekend” offerings are to include guided tours of the Historic Little White House and self-guided botanical lawn tours.
The annual “Presidential Families Weekend,” held at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, is the largest Presidents Day Weekend gathering of presidential descendants in the country. Traditionally hosted by The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in 2022 the Foundation partnered for the first time with the Society of Presidential Descendants, a membership organization for individuals with direct lineage to one or more of the forty-six United States Presidents.
The “Presidential Families Weekend” and the Tom Corbin “TRU-ly Amazing Art” event are presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For tickets and information visit www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.
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