The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Harry S. Truman Library Ins tute are excited to present The White House Decision Center (WHDC), an experi-en al program in which students take on the roles of President Truman and his advisors facing real-life his-torical decisions. The WHDC provides students with an innova ve one-of-a-kind learning experience in a rec-rea on of the West Wing of the White House. Primary documents such as declassifi ed papers, le ers, diary entries, and military reports from President Truman, his advisors and other federal agencies are used to help facilitate the experience.

THE WHDC CURRICULUMThe White House Decision Center ac vely en-gages students in the learning process. A day of ac ve student role-playing at the center high-lights the program. During the WHDC curricu-lum, students take on the roles of actual presi-den al advisors, recommending a course of ac on on a cri cal issue from the Truman Presi-dency. A presiden al briefi ng ini ates the deci-sion process and leads to group mee ngs where students are faced with a na onal or interna- onal dilemma. Students, working in teams,

analyze primary documents and collec vely advise their president. Decisions are prepared and presented by the president who then faces ques oning by students ac ng in their secondary role as press correspondents or U.S. Senators and Representa ves. This curriculum includes four pre-visit and one post-visit classroom modules, extensive materials, and teacher training.

The Decision Center

“ I hope this library will give young people a better understanding of the history and nature of the presidency and the government of the United States.”

STUDENT SKILLSThe main goals of the White House Decision Center are to strengthen student skills in information gather-ing and analysis, problem solving, leadership, deci-sion making, group cooperation, and communication while increasing knowledge of American history, gov-ernment, and the presidency.

SCENARIOSTeachers select one of the following:

•Reacting to the North Korean invasion of South Korea in June 1950

•Responding to the 1948 Soviet blockade of Berlin

•Addressing post WWII civil rights and desegregation of the military

•Ending the war against Japan

STUDENT FEESA per student fee applies for the WHDC with a mini-mum group charge. This price includes the full cur-riculum, materials, teacher training and use of the fa-cility, including an optional tour of the museum. For detailed pricing information vist www.trumanlibrary.org/whdc.

WHDC FACILITYThe WHDC program takes place in the Truman Library’s Ed and Beth Smith Education Wing. The facility, which can accommodate up to 64 students per session, includes eight meeting rooms and a large pressroom furnished to resemble the West Wing of the White House. The program was designed for students in grades 8-12, and meets national and state social studies knowledge and language arts skills standards.

PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY For additional information or to reserve space for your students, contact the White House Decision Center offi ce at (816) 268-8241 or visit www.trumanlibrary.org.

Each year more than 5,000 students participate in this experiential, role playing program based on President Truman’s most important decisions!

Creative Education

Overall I thought it was a terrifi c and extremely worthwhile experience. Some (students) even commented to me that it was the best fi eld trip they had been on. I will defi nitely be bringing my students back every year. Chris, Lee’s Summit High School

The WHDC provided my students with ‘hands on’ history. The past became the pres-ent, an interactive drama as my freshmen lived the push and pull of confl icting opinions within the halls of power, wrestled with the burden of the presidency and dealt with the power of the press. Gaylen, Winnetonka High School

We had a great time at the White House Decision Center. The program is unbelievable! It gives the students a realistic understanding of the issues faced by Truman and the process through which he worked to devise and implement policy. The history is truly ‘hands on.’ Ann, Archbishop O’Hara High School

We often can’t immerse the students in these types of primary sources, let alone the decision making and role playing, so the opportunity for them and us is invaluable. Darla, Parkview High School

Our WHDC experience is a highlight for my students each year. It is quite simply one of the best simulations available. Val, Lawrence High School

Teacher Testimonials

500 West U.S. Highway 24 Independence, Missouri 64050-1798

www.TrumanLibrary.org/whdcThe White House Decision Center program and materials may not be used without permission.