On Friday, April 12, the premier classroom in the Truman Library’s White House Decision Center was named for Harvey S. Bodker. A dedication ceremony for the newly named President’s Room was held to recognize Bodker’s generous and longtime support of the Truman Library Institute, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum.
The White House Decision Center is the flagship educational program at the Truman Library and the standard-bearer for education programs at presidential libraries nationwide. Since it opened in 2002, more than 55,000 students have visited the hands-on history lab to take on the roles of President Truman and his advisers in a recreated West Wing setting.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Clifton Truman Daniel – honorary chairman of the Truman Library Institute and eldest grandson of President and Mrs. Truman – said, “If The White House Decision Center is the heart of the Truman Library, then friends like Harvey Bodker are its soul. Nowhere will you find a friend who is more committed, more loyal, and more enthusiastic about advancing my grandfather’s legacy than Harvey Bodker.”
Bodker is president of Bodker Realty and has been a member of the Truman Library Institute’s Honorary Fellows society since its inception, in 1966. “The Truman Library has benefited greatly from Harvey Bodker’s longtime and generous support,” said Alex Burden, Truman Library Institute executive director. “Harvey is a valued partner in the advancement of President Truman’s legacy, and we are pleased to honor his contributions with this important and enduring symbol.”
Following the room’s unveiling, Bodker recalled memories of seeing Harry Truman, including meeting the president at an Israel Bond Dinner at the Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City. “Playing a part – even a small part – in this great man’s legacy makes me very happy,” Bodker said.
