Archivist of the United States Appoints New Director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Press Release · Monday, June 29, 2015

Washington, DC

Kurt Graham to start July 26, 2015

Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero announced today the appointment of Kurt Graham as the Director of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, effective July 26.

The Truman Library, located in Independence, Missouri, is one of 13 libraries in the Presidential Library system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration and overseen by the Office of Presidential Libraries. The Presidential Libraries house the records of Presidents Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush and preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.

In making the announcement, the Archivist said, “Dr. Graham's extensive experience leading archival institutions and museums will strengthen the Harry. S. Truman Library and Museum, and the National Archives.”

Since 2010, Dr. Graham has directed the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, UT, where he spearheaded the development and redesign of the museum's principal history exhibit.

Prior to that, Dr. Graham served as the Director of the McCracken Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY. As Director, he orchestrated the digitization of some of the library's most important archival collections; oversaw the physical renovation of the Library's public spaces; managed the Center's fellowship program; and launched a documentary editing project, The Papers of William F. Cody.

Prior to his work in the public history field, Dr. Graham was a member of the history faculty at California State University, San Bernardino, where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in American political and constitutional history. He received a Ph.D. in American history from Brown University, and holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Brigham Young University in English and American studies, respectively. He is the author of To Bring Law Home: The Federal Judiciary in Early National Rhode Island (Northern Illinois University Press, 2010).

# # #

For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

Connect with the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum on:
Twitter: @TrumanLibrary
Facebook: TrumanPresidentialLibrary

15-93