KU News Release

Harry Truman expert to portray president at KU’s Dole Institute

LAWRENCE — President Harry S. Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945 was one of the most difficult choices in history. Now, visitors to the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will have the opportunity to ask him about it.

Truman will be portrayed by historian and interpreter Niel Johnson at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the institute. The event is free and open to the public.

Johnson’s presentation will include fun, history and drama. Johnson will portray Truman’s presidential experiences and take questions from the audience drawing on his expertise of the 33rd president.

“We’re guaranteed a lively question-and-answer session after Niel Johnson’s well-researched Truman persona takes over,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute. “Obviously, it’s the closest we’ll ever get to conversing with such a historical figure.”

Johnson was an archivist and oral historian at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Mo., from 1977 to 1992. He is the author of “Power, Money and Women: Words to the Wise From Harry S. Truman.” There will be a book signing following the program.

Last summer, the Dole Institute hosted President Theodore Roosevelt, played by Ted Zalewski.

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