Presidential Descendants to Explore Relatives' White House Legacies Feb. 18 in Key West
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Descendants of former presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Franklin Delano Roosevelt are to discuss their famous relatives' administrations and legacies Saturday, Feb. 18, at Key West's Harry S. Truman Little White House.
Titled "In the Shadows of the White House," the Presidents Day weekend event is scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on the lawn of the 111 Front St. residence that is Florida's only presidential museum.
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.
The presentation is to feature Truman's grandson Clifton Truman Daniel, Roosevelt's grandson David Roosevelt and Eisenhower's granddaughter Mary Jean Eisenhower.
The trio will examine the similarities and differences between their grandfathers' administrations and programs. They also will discuss the responsibilities of carrying on their illustrious forebears' legacies and share glimpses into their own lives as presidential grandchildren.
Tickets for the unique event, priced at $25 per person, can be purchased through the Little White House website at trumanlittlewhitehouse.com or at the door.
Proceeds benefit the restoration fund of the not-for-profit Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and protect the Little White House State Heritage Landmark.
In addition to being Truman's working headquarters, the house also has hosted former presidents Eisenhower, Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and even William Howard Taft, who was photographed on the property in 1912. Recent presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has visited the Little White House as well.
Event information: trumanlittlewhitehouse.com or 305-294-9911
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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Each year the presentation is held at Key West's Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida's only presidential museum.
(L-R) Margaret Hoover, great-granddaughter of Herbert Hoover; Susan Ford Bales, daughter of Gerald Ford and Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of Lyndon Johnson. Image Rob O'Neal