Truman Library Exhibit Celebrates President's Sports Passion Ahead of World Cup

New exhibit 'United We Play' highlights Truman's love of athletics as Kansas City hosts World Cup matches.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:20pm

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To celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Kansas City, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum has put together a new exhibit that explores Truman's personal passion for sports. The exhibit, titled 'United We Play: Kickin' It With the Trumans', features memorabilia, artifacts, and stories showcasing how both Harry and Bess Truman were avid sports fans who enjoyed activities like tennis, bowling, and baseball.

Why it matters

The exhibit provides a unique look into Truman's life beyond his presidential duties, highlighting his love of athletics and how he used sports diplomacy to entertain visiting heads of state. As Kansas City hosts several World Cup matches and team base camps this summer, the exhibit helps connect the city's sports history to the global tournament.

The details

The new exhibit at the Truman Library features a variety of items on loan from the Trumans' personal collection as well as memorabilia from the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC, and the Current. Highlights include Truman's own bowling ball and bathing suit, hats and jerseys, and even a baseball bat and jacket gifted to President Ronald Reagan by the Royals. The exhibit also explores how Truman would occasionally host visiting dignitaries at sporting events as a form of diplomacy.

  • The exhibit opened on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and will run through the end of the year.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in several cities across the United States, including Kansas City, from June to July 2026.

The players

Harry S. Truman

The 33rd President of the United States, who was an avid sports fan and incorporated athletics into his personal and professional life.

Bess Truman

The wife of President Harry S. Truman, who shared her husband's passion for sports and often attended games and events with him.

Mark Adams

The director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, who oversaw the creation of the 'United We Play' exhibit.

Katy Owens

A visitor to the Truman Library exhibit who expressed excitement about the upcoming 2026 World Cup in Kansas City.

Hank Stram

A Hall of Fame coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, who received play-calling advice from President Truman.

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What they’re saying

“It's really great to tell that story that's a little untold.”

— Mark Adams, Truman Library Director

“Truman's bathing suit — that is amazing. The hats, that's a lot of fun, and then the fishing stuff.”

— Katy Owens, Visitor

“I am very excited about the World Cup. I love Kansas City sports. I follow Sporting Kansas City and the Current, so getting to see all of this in one place is fantastic.”

— Katy Owens, Visitor

What’s next

The 'United We Play' exhibit at the Truman Library will remain open through the end of 2026, allowing visitors to explore the president's sports legacy in the lead-up to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.

The takeaway

This exhibit showcases how President Truman's personal passion for sports was an integral part of his life and legacy, providing a unique window into the human side of the 33rd president. As Kansas City prepares to host the world's biggest sporting event, the Truman Library's exhibit helps celebrate the city's rich sports history and the role it has played on the global stage.