The Place for History: Two Missouri giants come together on memorable project
The story of Independence and the Opening of the West.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3)—The new school year is approaching, so a new generation of students will visit the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum in Independence. When they enter the building, they’ll see a mural.
Neosho-born artist Thomas Hart Benton painted the mural, which is known as “Independence and the Opening of the West.” It opened to the public in April 1961.
You may not know it, but the famous artist and Harry S. Truman didn’t start the project as great friends.
“Harry S. Truman was really not a fan of his work,” explained Azalea Michel-Whitley of The Truman Library and Museum. “And one of the reasons is because he did paint political scenes. He had completed the mural at the Missouri State Capitol, and in that mural, there are some political and just politics in general. And Harry Truman wasn’t really that interested in Thomas Hart Benton’s subject matter.”
The breakthrough moment for the two Missouri sons is discussed in the video above.
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