On November 5, a group of 32 juniors and seniors traveled to the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri to participate in the White House Decision Center. The decision center is a one-of-a-kind experience where students confront one of four challenges Truman faced while President of the United States. This year’s decision dealt with the Berlin Airlift of 1947-48.

Four meetings were held prior to the field trip to the Truman Library. At these meetings, students learned about the roles of the president, the responsibilities of his many advisors, how to analyze primary source documents, and how to make decisions using a decision-making matrix. At the Truman Library, students took on roles as either President Truman, or one of his many advisors. They read previously classified documents about the situation in Berlin, and the threat of the Soviet blockade on United States’ strategic interests in the region. This part of the experience culminated with a press briefing by the students playing the role of Truman’s press secretary, Charlie Ross. At the briefing, Ross informed the press about the Berlin crisis, and answered questions from members of the press.

After gathering all of their information, the four students playing President Truman each met with their advisors where they weighed the many options for dealing with the crisis. These meetings often became quite spirited as advisors disagreed over what decision President Truman should make. The experience ended with a press conference where President Truman outlined how he planned to handle the crisis. Since two of the four students playing President Truman had vastly different plans, they conducted a joint press conference where members of the press could ask both presidents about their plans. Students then toured the museum before returning home.

Every year I am amazed at how engaged students get when they are at the White House Decision Center. It is always so much fun watching them analyze the documents, and even more fun watching them argue passionately with each other on what President Truman should do. It is an experience I hope we can continue to share with students for years to come.