President Truman receives a turkey from the National Egg and Poultry Board, 11/16/1949. Truman Library. NARA ID 200138.
Did Truman Pardon a Turkey?
The Truman Library has received many requests over the years for information confirming the story that President Truman "pardoned" a Thanksgiving turkey in 1947, thus initiating a Presidential tradition that continues to this day.
The presentation of a turkey to the President at Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition. But these kids were not impressed.
Many believe that it was President Truman who first pardoned a turkey, but until President George H.W. Bush pardoned the turkey in 1989, the presented poultry was destined for the dining room!
In 1947, the National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board began presenting the White House with a turkey. Truman accepted the turkey…and most likely ate it.
Staff at the Truman Presidential Library have never found any documents, speeches, newspaper clippings, photographs, or other contemporary records in their holdings which refer to Truman pardoning a turkey.
However, after President Bush’s official announcement in 1989, the birds have retired to a farm after their moment in the spotlight.
Amy and Rosalynn Carter meet with “Purdue Pete” and the National Turkey Foundation, 11/21/1978, Carter Library, NARA ID 6783240.
President Barack Obama and his nephews Austin and Aaron Robinson react to an unexpected commotion by Tot, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, during the pardon ceremony 11/23/2016, Obama Library, NARA ID 178713536.
See also: NARA's Thanksgiving-related online resources (National Archives News special topics page).
