The Little White House In Key West

Under doctor's orders, President Harry S. Truman sought refuge in the warm Florida sun during the winter of 1946. He fell so much in love with the historic Key West home in which he took residence that he returned every year through 1952, giving it the nickname "The Little White House." First built for Naval officers in 1890, the home's sprawling gardens and current structure were completed in 1911, housing Thomas Edison throughout World War I, decades before Truman moved in.

Details

Hours

Botanical Gardens - 7am-6pm, daily
Museum Store - 9am-5pm, daily
House Tour - 9am-4:30pm, 365 days | a year

Events

• Truman's Birthday
• Truman Legacy Symposium

Activities

• Sightseeing
• Education
• Photography
• Live Music
• Conferences

House Tour

Tours of the famous home are available every 15-20 minutes, 9am-4:30pm. The informative guides will escort you through the property, sharing little-known information about President Truman's life, the Cold War, and Key West history.

Botanical Tour

Self-guided and free, tours of the roughly 1-acre Botanical Gardens are completely at your own pace, 7am-6pm. Identify tropical trees and houseplants gone wild in the bright Florida sun, all with the help of a free brochure from the Museum Store.

FAQs

When did Harry S Truman live here?

President Truman lived in The Little White House for a total of 175 days, from 1946 through 1952. He faced a multitude of international issues at the time, leaving him exhausted, under doctor's orders that he take a warm-weather reprieve from the frosty winter months of November, December, February, and March in D.C.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at a discount online, or for full price at the museum itself. Advance online tickets can be used whenever you desire.