A new exhibit tying sports history to a global stage is now open in Independence.The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum has unveiled a new sports-themed exhibit inspired in part by the upcoming World Cup matches in Kansas City.“it was inspired by the World Cup and the country is coming to play here this summer,” said Mark Adams, director of the Truman Library & Museum.The exhibit highlights former President Harry S. Truman and former first lady Bess Truman, focusing on their connections to Kansas City sports.“We’ve got wonderful artifacts like a 14-karat gold football pass for Harry Truman,” Adams said.The collection includes photos and memorabilia, such as Truman throwing out a first pitch at a Kansas City Athletics game, along with items tied to Bess Truman’s own athletic background.“She actually played basketball under Phog Allen. He was one of her coaches,” Adams said.The exhibit also features Kansas City sports history beyond the Truman era, including a ticket from the first Kansas City Chiefs game and memorabilia tied to both the Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.“We have a football signed by Len Dawson,” Adams said.A portion of the exhibit is dedicated to the World Cup, highlighting Kansas City’s role as a host city and the international teams visiting this summer.“The last section of the exhibit is actually his interactions with those seven countries that are playing here this summer,” Adams said.Adams said the exhibit is designed to appeal to both local visitors and international fans.“So if you’re any kind of a sports fan, there’s going to be something here for you,” he said.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. —

A new exhibit tying sports history to a global stage is now open in Independence.

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum has unveiled a new sports-themed exhibit inspired in part by the upcoming World Cup matches in Kansas City.

“it was inspired by the World Cup and the country is coming to play here this summer,” said Mark Adams, director of the Truman Library & Museum.

The exhibit highlights former President Harry S. Truman and former first lady Bess Truman, focusing on their connections to Kansas City sports.

“We’ve got wonderful artifacts like a 14-karat gold football pass for Harry Truman,” Adams said.

The collection includes photos and memorabilia, such as Truman throwing out a first pitch at a Kansas City Athletics game, along with items tied to Bess Truman’s own athletic background.

“She actually played basketball under Phog Allen. He was one of her coaches,” Adams said.

The exhibit also features Kansas City sports history beyond the Truman era, including a ticket from the first Kansas City Chiefs game and memorabilia tied to both the Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals.

“We have a football signed by Len Dawson,” Adams said.

A portion of the exhibit is dedicated to the World Cup, highlighting Kansas City’s role as a host city and the international teams visiting this summer.

“The last section of the exhibit is actually his interactions with those seven countries that are playing here this summer,” Adams said.

Adams said the exhibit is designed to appeal to both local visitors and international fans.

“So if you’re any kind of a sports fan, there’s going to be something here for you,” he said.