Truman Library and Museum

While it's not a public library, it's still a library!  I really enjoyed visiting the library, and I really enjoyed the ability to put his presidency in the context of U.S. History at that time.  I knew the history, but I don't think I truly appreciated the full extent of what he did and the impact it has had on our modern world until I went through the museum.  We went because we were celebrating husband's birthday.  I was expecting the entire thing to be a yawn fest, but - nope - I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute that I was in the building!  I'm going to share a few pictures below, but I honestly don't think that my pictures do justice to the experience.

Replica of the Oval Office during Truman's Term in Office

The flame outside of the museum.  The Truman family is buried in the courtyard.  See those windows across the courtyard?  That's where the library is. Only REAL researchers are allowed in there. 

The infamous newspaper that came out ahead of the election results!

Harry, Bess, and Margaret!

I don't know if you can read all of the text.  This is the most sobering artifact I've ever seen.  It's the plug from the "Fat Boy" bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki.  Remember, Pres. Truman made the decision to drop the bombs.

The document, with Truman's corrections, that recognize Israel as a state.

Civil War History

Going to high school in Northern Virginia, with a history teacher who is working on his PhD in Civil War history (and now teaches at a University renowned for History), you develop a bit of a passion for history.  You even begin to develop an unexpected appreciation for the Civil War.  Believe it or not, I could discourse all day long about the Civil War and the impact upon modern day politics.  You did well, Mr. Harris.  I live in the middle of several Maryland battlefields, and I just can't escape it, no matter how hard I try.  There are times I still feel like I'm back in my Junior year of high school.

Anyway, back to the Civil War.  I am a part of an online group that focuses on Northern Virginia history. 

Last month, the remnants of a Corduroy Road was discovered in Fairfax.  Actually, the remnants were not that far from my mother's old house.  You can read the article about the discovery here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/construction-crew-unearths-remains-of-corduroy-road-in-fairfax/2015/12/21/be1e0b9a-a5d2-11e5-ad3f-991ce3374e23_story.html

So, this led to a fascinating discussion in our group about the Civil War ear in Fairfax.  One of the participants in our group mentioned that his grandfather was a prisoner in Andersonville Prison during the war, until he escaped and made his way back home.  (Keep in mind, the prison at Andersonville was notorious - prisoners were abused, starved, sick, and died there in droves.)

He then gave us a link to his Grandfather's diary.  He has posted it online.  Keep in mind - this diary is copyright protected - and is subject to all copyright laws.  However, if you are looking for a fascinating first hand account of service in the Union Army during the Civil War, this is worth a read.

http://lindseyforster.com/2015/01/28/aaron-eugene-bachman-blacksmith-cavalryman-prisoner-of-war/