United States Branch

LIBERTY MEMORIAL SEEKS RENOVATION FUNDS

Kansas City Landmark Badly in need of Repair and Restoration

Only World War I Museum in America Launches Fund-Raising Drive

The Liberty Memorial and the Liberty Memorial Museum -- the United States' only museum devoted solely to World War I -- is mounting a campaign to raise up to $60 million for urgently-needed renovations and expansion of it exhibits. The Memorial has been closed for several years after serious structural weaknesses were discovered.

Construction on the Memorial began in 1921 following dedication at a ceremony attended by the major Allied military leaders of World War I including General John J. Pershing, Marshall Ferdinand Foch of France and Fleet Admiral Lord David Beatty of Great Britain.

The completed Memorial -- which soars 217 feet above a Hill dominating the Kansas City skyline -- was inaugurated in 1926 by President Calvin Cooledge. Its enormous tower, temple-like buildings, enormous carved stone sphinxes and massive courtyards are truly a national landmark. Liberty Memorial Museum holdings ranging from field guns to period photographs and maps represent a collection unrivaled on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Fund-raising efforts, under the leadership of WFA member and Liberty Memorial Curator Doran Cart, have gained considerable momentum. The Missouri State Legislature recently appropriated five million dollars for structural repairs and renovation and a temporary, supplemental municipal sales tax measure benefiting the Memorial was approved by referendum in August 1998. In addition, private donors have given over two millions dollars.

The Liberty Memorial rehabilitation and expansion fund-raising campaign is in full swing. Individual and corporate donations have ranged up to two million dollars. The one-time supplemental half-cent sales tax passed by Kansas City voters in August 1998 is expected to raise up to $30 million for restoration and as much as $14.7 million for the endowment for Memorial maintenance. Legislation approved by the Missouri legislature provides an additional five million dollars in state funds. And, bills sponsored by Missouri Senator Kit Bond and Representatives Karen McCarthy and Ike Shelton call for federal funding of $2.5 million in fiscal year 1999 and an equal amount in fiscal year 2000.

Another element of the fund-raising campaign enables individuals to purchase granite ìbricksî to honor World War I veterans. These would be placed on a Walk of Honor on the south side of the Memorial. Contact the Liberty Memorial at the address below for details.

Reconstruction of the Memorial is tentatively scheduled to start in November 1999 following ground-breaking ceremonies. Architectural design documents are under preparation following an extensive survey of the Memorialís stone surfaces completed in December 1998. The restored Liberty Memorial is expected to be rededicated on November 11, 2001.

Tax deductible donations to the Liberty Memorial renovation fund can be made to:

The Liberty Memorial Association
The Liberty Memorial Museum of World War One
100 W. 26th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64108-4616
(816) 221-1918
FAX (816) 221-8981
staff@libertymemorialmuseum.org

The Liberty Memorial Association, which owns the Museum collections, is a not-for-profit, 501 c 3 organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Although the Memorial itself remains closed, its archives are available by appointment, and satellite collections are open at two Kansas City locations:

• The Town Pavilion, 12th and Main Streets -- Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 6pm
• The Ward Center, 8600 Ward Parkway -- Tuesday thru Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.

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