Teacher Workshop: "Founding Friends, Founding Foes"

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Join Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the Adams Presidential Center at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum from 8:30am - 12:30pm on September 24, 2026, for a special America250 professional development opportunity.

In this workshop, titled Founding Friends, Founding Foes, all three presidential institutions will explore complicated civic friendships whose discourse and partnerships defined American policies. Teachers will analyze the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, going from allies in 1776 to bitter political rivals and friends again in retirement. They will examine how Truman's complex relationships with cabinet members and military leaders led to the expansion of American foreign policy.

Teachers will consider how these relationships can inspire students to engage in civil discourse and friendships today, while leaving with strategies and resources to implement immediately in the classroom.

This workshop is free and open to all current educators. Lunch and Museum admission are included. Space is limited.

The first 12 teachers from both Missouri and Kansas will receive each $75 stipend to support substitute funding, graciously provided by Missouri Council for History Education and Kansas Council for History Education.