President Harry S. Truman Little White House

“My grandfather once said that presidents shouldn’t have descendants,” revealed Clifton Truman Daniel, “because those descendants would spend the rest of their lives having people think they should live up to their ancestors.”

Nevertheless Clifton, whose grandfather was former U.S. president Harry S. Truman and whose mother was Truman’s daughter Margaret, is glad the commander-in-chief DID have descendants — though he didn’t find out about his heritage until he was a 6-year-old first-grade student.

“My teacher walked up to me one of the first days in school and said, ‘Wasn’t your grandfather president of the United States?’” he recounted. “And I brilliantly replied, ‘I don’t know. I’ll go home and ask.’”

Today, Clifton Truman Daniel is an acclaimed author, compelling lecturer, noted humanitarian and experienced actor, who has portrayed his grandfather in a one-man show called “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, where his grandfather spent nearly six months of his 1945-1953 presidency. He is the first direct descendant ever to portray a U.S. president onstage.

The Little White House has a fascinating heritage of its own. Before it became Truman’s retreat, the unpretentious West Indian structure was the commander’s quarters on the Key West naval station. Subsequently it was both a getaway spot for America’s 33rd president, and a place where he could consider momentous policy decisions and conduct meetings away from Washington D.C.’s more constrained atmosphere.

Now meticulously restored to its Truman–era appearance, the Little White House is renowned as Florida’s only presidential museum.

The Key West residence that played such a notable role in America’s political history is open daily to visitors, showcasing authentic artifacts and furnishings including Harry Truman’s desk and unique handmade poker table.