Presidential Descendants to Explore Relatives’ Legacies Feb. 15 in Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. — Descendants of former presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Theodore Roosevelt and William McKinley are to discuss their famous relatives’ lives and legacies Saturday, Feb. 15, at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House.

The Presidential Family Forum is set for 4-5:30 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, D.C.’s more constrained atmosphere.

The forum is to feature Truman’s grandson Clifton Truman Daniel, Eisenhower’s granddaughter Mary Jean Eisenhower, Roosevelt’s great-grandson Tweed Roosevelt and William McKinley’s great-great-nephew Jack Massee McKinley.

In a moderated panel discussion, the quartet is to exchange views about what it’s like to be related to an American president, share family memories and discuss the responsibilities of carrying on their illustrious forebears’ legacy.

In addition to being Truman’s working headquarters, the Little White House also has hosted former presidents Eisenhower, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and even William Howard Taft, who was photographed on the property in 1912.

Proceeds from the unique event 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. Tickets are priced at $35 per person ($25 for foundation members) and can be purchased through trumanlittlewhitehouse.com.  Call 305-294-9911.

During his 1945-1953 administration, Truman spent 11 working vacations at the sprawling West Indian–style residence.

During his 1945-1953 administration, Truman spent 11 working vacations at the sprawling West Indian–style residence.

Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of former President Harry S. Truman, left, listens while Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald Ford, speaks during a 2019 panel discussion.

Clifton Truman Daniel, grandson of former President Harry S. Truman, left, listens while Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald Ford, speaks during a 2019 panel discussion.

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