While going to Europe is the ultimate way to learn and commemorate the Great War, heading to Kansas City is way more accessible (and less expensive). Also, when you have you son in tow and he sticks with you for three plus hours, it's even better. The Liberty Memorial is the iconic centerpiece of the museum and fitting as a place to honor the men and women that served in World War I. Full of symbolism and architectural beauty, the plaza and tower are beautiful during the day (even in 90 degree heat) and striking at night. We made it to the top of the memorial tower - thankfully early in our visit, as they close it in extreme heat - and caught the spectacular 360° view of KC. The beautiful collection of photographs from present day Europe was amazing, and very fitting to inspire and guide my tour in Europe. The exhibition is available in locations in Europe too - and it's amazing. Below the memorial, the National World War I Museum offers everything one needs to know about the war in general and American involvement. Entering the main exhibition over a field of poppies hits home quickly, and the opening video about the origins of the war set the stage for the growing conflict in Europe in the early 1900s. The artifacts are incredible - especially the incredible collection of heavy artillery. (especially the 75 mm French field cannon that my friend Francine's grandfather manned). The exhibition discusses the war at sea, the war in the air, trench warfare, and much much more. The transition between the war before American involvement and the AEF "Over There" was by far my favorite part of the entire museum. An amazing video filling a 100 foot wide screen over a detailed life size scene of no man's land brings the US into the war, using primary sources, powerful images, and archival video. The section on the United States in the war has everything you need to know about American in WWI. Artifacts, posters, infographics, and technology combine to provide a full picture, and the video on the battle that the AEF fought was something I have been looking for. An additional exhibit about "Posters as Munitions" provided some great information for an arts integrated lesson in American studies - score! If you have the chance, this is a the place to be to get immersed in America and World War I. Their online resources are almost as awesome as the museum - check them out!
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AuthorChuck Taft ArchivesCategories |