Little White House In Key West Preparing For Truman's 125th Birthday Celebration

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Preparations are underway for President Harry S. Truman's 125th birthday party on Key West. In addition to the party, visitors can attend the rededication of the Little White House and participate in activities like Key West snorkeling.

KEY WEST, FL - The staff at the Harry S. Truman Little White House is busy preparing the house and grounds for Truman's 125th birthday celebration. The celebration takes place on May 8th and is just one of the events scheduled for the island during the month of May.

Built in 1890, the property was Truman's winter White House, beginning in 1945. The president spent so much of his time at the Key West home that it became known as the Little White House. Key policies were drafted from the home, including the creation of the Department of Defense in 1948.

"The island of Key West has played an important role throughout history. While Truman wasn't the only president to use the Little White House, he was the one who made it famous. After Truman left office, Dwight Eisenhower used the residence while recovering from a heart attack and John F. Kennedy held a meeting with the British Prime Minister just before the Bay of Pigs. Here in Key West, we're proud of the island's varied history, as well as its Key West snorkeling, scuba diving and other water sports," said Chris Gardner of Best On Key West.

One week after the birthday party, the Little White House will be rededicated. The rededication celebrates the completion of Phase II of the property's restoration, which brings the Little White House back to the state it was in during 1949. Before restoration, nearly 90% of the home's furnishings were original to the site, but now the interior will be even closer to the way it looked during Truman's years. Some of the internal changes include specially designed wallpaper that was drawn from a photograph to match the 1949 design exactly.

"Visitors coming for the birthday party or the rededication have their choice to stay in one of our many Key West bed and breakfasts, beautiful weather to look forward to and plenty of other exciting activities to enjoy on the island. Our island is famous for fun and sun and visitors can spend an entire week here and not run out of things to do," said Gardner.

About Best On Key West: Best On Key West is a company offering a variety of action-packed tours, including special Key West snorkeling excursions. Whether you're looking to dive in Key West, or relax on the beach, the firm can help you find an activity for everyone to enjoy.