The inaugural Easter egg roll at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, inspired by the grand White House tradition, featured a special guest: a young backup quarterback from the Kansas City Chiefs who arrived at the library in Independence unaccompanied, devoid of fanfare.
The children gathered around him on the ground, captivated as he read aloud from "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss while parents snapped photos on their cellphones.
This event marked the beginning of a cherished tradition at the museum. In 2018, museum officials decided to introduce an Easter egg roll, a departure from the typical egg hunt, fitting for a presidential library with its historical connection to the White House. Hundreds of families attended Harry's Hop 'n Hunt in both 2018 and 2019, but unfortunately, the festivities were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, in 2024, the egg roll is back with enthusiasm, supported by the Truman Library Institute, the city of Independence, and the Independence Square Association. This event holds significant historical context; the first White House Easter Egg Roll took place in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes. Since then, it has continued annually, with interruptions only during times of bad weather, war, or significant renovation, such as during Truman's presidency when food shortages post-World War II prevented such celebrations.
It's interesting to note that plastic Easter eggs, commonly used today, weren't patented until 1978. Before then, the idea of children rolling farm-fresh eggs on the White House lawn during times of hardship would have been considered inappropriate.
Despite the suspension of the White House Easter Egg Roll during Truman's tenure due to renovations, the spirit of this tradition lives on in places like the Truman Library & Museum, where it continues to bring joy and a sense of history to families each year.
Mahomes is certainly invited
The eggs that children will roll on the White House lawn and at the Truman library are wooden, distinct from plastic or edible varieties. This tradition was initiated by Ronald and Nancy Reagan, who introduced wooden eggs during their White House event in 1981, gifting autographed ones from celebrities. Today, participants in Washington D.C. receive wooden eggs as keepsakes, available for purchase online at whitehousehistory.org.
In Independence, kids will push wooden eggs down the library's south lawn, mimicking the White House experience, though they won't keep the eggs. They're playfully required to retrieve them uphill, but can roll them downhill as many times as they like.
Children can also participate in Easter egg hunts, with younger ones in a separate group (bring your own basket).
To uphold the presidential library's decorum, the eggs are unfilled to prevent competition. Each child receives a goodie bag instead.
Unlike the formal attire seen at the White House, the Independence event has no dress code, though attendees are encouraged to dress their best for Instagram-worthy moments. The Easter Bunny arrives at 10:15 a.m. and will remain throughout the morning.
While Mahomes isn't scheduled to attend, he's always welcome with his children.
"He's obviously welcome," Michel-Whitley affirmed. "If he wants to come, he can bring little Sterling and Bronze."
Harry’s Hop ‘N Hunt
The Easter egg roll, egg hunt, and other activities take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 30, at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum south lawn, 500 W. U.S. Highway 24, Independence. Admission is free. Celebrity readers include Independence Mayor Rory Rowland, movie critic Lonita Cook, K.C. Wolf, and Harry S. Truman re-enactor John Pritchard. Register at eventbrite.com.