The Fifty-Seventh Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013 presented by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Swearing-In Ceremony for President Harry S. Truman

Library of Congress

Oath of Office

Administered to Harry S. Truman by the Honorable Harlan F. Stone, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

  • Bible Used: According to Truman, "There was much scurrying around to find this book on which to take the oath." It was closed while he repeated the oath, and he kissed the book when he finished.
  • Attire: Dark business suit
  • Location

    Cabinet Room,
    The White House
    Washington, DC

  • Facts, Firsts & Precedents

    Truman took the oath of office just two hours after he received word of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, which was caused by cerebral stroke.

  • Weather