The National World War I Museum

My in-laws are in town this week, and yesterday we spent the day at the National World War I Museum here in Kansas City. From the museum website:

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial inspires thought, dialogue, and learning to make the experiences of the World War I era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. The Museum fulfills its mission by:

• Maintaining the Liberty Memorial as a beacon of freedom and a symbol of the courage, patriotism, sacrifice, and honor of all who served in World War I

• Interpreting the history of World War I to encourage public involvement and informed decision-making

• Providing exhibitions and educational programs that engage diverse audiences

• Collecting and preserving historical materials with the highest professional standards

In addition, the Museum is a research facility for researching the war and the Americans who served in the war. It is a world-class museum you should visit if you are ever in Kansas City. Here are a few photos I took yesterday.

Here is the view of the Liberty Memorial and the Museum as you approach the entrance.

Once inside, the transparent walkway over the field of poppies ... each poppy symbolizing a certain number of soldiers that died.

You first enter a theater that gives you a brief introductory film and a background on the events that led up to the war. Then it is on to the exhibit area.

There are tons of artifacts like this tank ...

... or this Harley Davidson.

There are uniforms, weapons, infantry gear, airplanes, medical equipment, and other artifacts. There are interactive displays, giant maps, and displays that tell how the war unfolded. There are rooms where you can listen to the era's speeches, poems, and music. There are also some mockups of trenches so you can get a sense of what it was like.

In the two exhibit buildings above ground on either side of the Liberty Memorial, are buildings with exhibits and some amazing murals like this one.

Need a break during the visit? You can visit the Over There Cafe, which has some pretty good food.

You also need to take the elevator to the top of the tower, where you can see views like this.

The tickets are $12 for adults for two days.

If you are ever in Kansas City looking for something to do, check it out. I've been three times in recent years and have thoroughly enjoyed it each time.

 

Comments

[Barb]

interesting--do you know why poppies represent fallen soldiers (i remember vets selling poppies).
also the Boeing Museum of Flight in SEattle has a big WWI exhibit with a trench that you can walk through.