Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Harry S. Truman
1884-1972
| | Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
1. Harry S. Truman Marker
this page online
Erected by The Shannon Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman series list.
Location. 24° 33.582′ N, 81° 48.413′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It can be reached from the intersection of Wall Street and Tiftss Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located within the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Wall St, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Curry (here, next to this marker); Senator John M. Spottswood (here, next to this marker); Sandy Cornish (here, next to this marker); Sister Louis Gabriel (here, next to this marker); Joe Pearlman (here, next to this marker); Dr. J.Y. Porter (here, next to
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
2. Harry S. Truman Marker
Also see . . .
1. The Key West Sculpture Garden Where History Meets Art. (Submitted on May 9, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Truman Little White House Key West Museum History. Website entry:
The Harry S. Truman Little White House is the State of Floridas only presidential site. (Submitted on April 25, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
3. The Origins of Island Roots & the Key West Memorial Sculpture Garden
In Key West the heroism of Ida Barron and Betty Bruce planted the seeds of what has now grown to become the Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden in Mallory Square.
Betty Bruce and Ida Barron along with Bahamian artist Alton Lowe and sculptor James Mastin were the individuals most responsible for the creation of the Island Roots Festival in 1976, 1977, and 1978. The Island Roots festivals symbolized a heritage that Barron and Bruce worked so hard to maintain. Their efforts reunited the family ties between Key West and its sister city New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas This out-island settlement resembles a miniature Key West, with names of residents matching those of many Key West families. These two women symbolized our island's Spirit of '76. Through them came a stirring on our tiny island which climaxed in a new awareness of Island Roots and a celebration of our unique heritage.
As historian at the Monroe County Library and a native born Conch, Betty Bruce was keenly aware of her island heritage and the direct connection Key West had with the Bahamas. Betty and Ida became fast friends when Ida arrived in Key West in 1938 and adopted the island as her home.
For Betty, the important thing was truth in a heritage that is more magnificent than any fiction. Bruce conducted years of research prior to the festivals. Betty was a genealogist, artist and drafter. Credited as the founder of the Local History section of the Monroe County Public Library, she had a special dedication to researching the history of Key West, the Florida Keys, Florida and the Bahamas, assembling genealogies and building photographic and documentary archives for over 20 years. She also served on the research committee of the Old Island Restoration Foundation.
Ida believed that people should share the good news, create harmony with their lives and learn from the past. She was always enthusiastic, always up and ready to work Barron was one of the founding, members of the Key West Art and Historical Society and a founding member of the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Her job in public relations for a local bank became a public relations bonanza for Key West as a whole. It was Ida's dream that one day Key West would have a memorial garden.
Both women loved the island and gave of themselves to preserve its river of history for our times. They would have loved our garden.
(Captions)
Betty Bruce
1918- 994
Ida Barron
1911-1986
Betty Bruce and Ida Barron along with Bahamian artist Alton Lowe and sculptor James Mastin were the individuals most responsible for the creation of the Island Roots Festival in 1976, 1977, and 1978. The Island Roots festivals symbolized a heritage that Barron and Bruce worked so hard to maintain. Their efforts reunited the family ties between Key West and its sister city New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas This out-island settlement resembles a miniature Key West, with names of residents matching those of many Key West families. These two women symbolized our island's Spirit of '76. Through them came a stirring on our tiny island which climaxed in a new awareness of Island Roots and a celebration of our unique heritage.
As historian at the Monroe County Library and a native born Conch, Betty Bruce was keenly aware of her island heritage and the direct connection Key West had with the Bahamas. Betty and Ida became fast friends when Ida arrived in Key West in 1938 and adopted the island as her home.
For Betty, the important thing was truth in a heritage that is more magnificent than any fiction. Bruce conducted years of research prior to the festivals. Betty was a genealogist, artist and drafter. Credited as the founder of the Local History section of the Monroe County Public Library, she had a special dedication to researching the history of Key West, the Florida Keys, Florida and the Bahamas, assembling genealogies and building photographic and documentary archives for over 20 years. She also served on the research committee of the Old Island Restoration Foundation.
Ida believed that people should share the good news, create harmony with their lives and learn from the past. She was always enthusiastic, always up and ready to work Barron was one of the founding, members of the Key West Art and Historical Society and a founding member of the Old Island Restoration Foundation. Her job in public relations for a local bank became a public relations bonanza for Key West as a whole. It was Ida's dream that one day Key West would have a memorial garden.
Both women loved the island and gave of themselves to preserve its river of history for our times. They would have loved our garden.
(Captions)
Betty Bruce
1918- 994
Ida Barron
1911-1986
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, May 4, 2023
4. Key West Historic Memorial Sculpture Garden Dedication Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 9, 2023, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
