Truman, Bacall & The Piano: A Press Club Moment
This event is open only to NPC Members & their guests.
Feb 28 2025
WHEN:
Feb 28, 2025 at 4:00pm
WHERE:
Fourth Estate Room
CONTACT INFO:
Madison Siciliano
MORE INFO:
Special Event
We’re Just Wild About Harry
One of the highlights of the National Press Club’s illustrious history is the day in February, 1945 when then-Vice President Harry Truman played the piano to entertain hundreds of servicemen gathered in the ballroom for the weekly World War II Canteen. Also attracted to the Canteen was the 20-year-old film starlet, Lauren Bacall, who had just exploded in popularity. Seeing a chance for publicity, her agent boosted her on top of the upright piano as she draped her legs while Truman played.
That became the most famous photo taken at the Club. To commemorate that event, Club historian Gil Klein will present a multi-media program focusing on Harry Truman and the Press Club. His first appearance was just weeks before the famous canteen, and his last one was for his 80th birthday in 1964.
Using vintage photos, audio and video clips and the music Truman loved to play, Klein will weave the story of this chapter of Club history.