Special Announcement: Legacy of the Great War Program
A discussion between World War I scholars Jay Winter and Robert Wohl, The Great War: Midwife to Modern Memory, takes place on Saturday February 9, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th Street. The program is the fourth public dialogue in The Legacy of the Great War: 90 Years On series sponsored by the Kansas City Public Library, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial, the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Park University, the Sosland Foundation, and Metropolitan Community College.
Admission to this event is free, but reservations are recommended.
Call 816.701.3407.
More on the Museum's Programs Below
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - On Dec. 2, 2006, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City opened to the public as the first American, and only national, museum dedicated to preserving the artifacts, history, and experiences of what was deemed "the war to end all wars." Designed by Ralph Appelbaum, the preeminent museum exhibit designer in the world today, the National WWI Museum will showcase a collection of more than 49,000 artifacts and utilize the latest in interactive technology to tell the story of "the Great War" through the experiences of those who lived it. Notable First World War historian, Sir John Keegan participated in the opening events lending his Perspective on the war and the new museum.
Officially designated the National WWI Museum by the 108th Congress, the new 30,000-square-foot core Museum exhibit and companion research center and archives are housed directly beneath the historic Liberty Memorial. The 217-foot Liberty Memorial Tower and two exhibit halls were built by the citizens of Kansas City and dedicated in 1926, by President Calvin Coolidge, in honor of those who served in the World War in defense of liberty and their country.
Opening Day at the Liberty Memorial
The National World War I Museum provides an unparalleled educational and entertainment experience. Beginning with a surreal walk across a glass-floored bridge, beneath which lie 9,000 poppies, each representing 1,000 fallen military fatalities, visitors pass into a vast interactive museum experience designed to elicit an emotional and intellectual response.
"Museums have great stories to tell, stories that reveal something about who we are as a people," said Appelbaum, principal of Ralph Appelbaum Associates. "They are very good places to understand how the past can inform the present and help us engage in the future. This museum, in particular, has incredibly important lessons for the present day. The consequences of the first World War are still with us today, being played out in current events around the globe."
The focus of the new National World War I Museum is to honor the memory and sacrifices of those who served and to provide educational opportunities and insight into the World War I experience.
"We currently have an age-specific curriculum based around the same ideals engraved on the Liberty Memorial - honor, courage, patriotism, and sacrifice - that we share with schools around the region," said Brigadier General Stephen Berkheiser, United States Marine Corps (Ret.) and executive director of Liberty Memorial and the National World War I Museum. "Teachers will be able to use this curriculum in conjunction with an actual field trip to the museum. The interactive component of the museum will be particularly appealing to students and school groups. They will have the ability to role-play and participate in interactive table-top experiences that will let them see the consequences and outcomes of their actions."
One of the Memorial's Famous Murals
In 1998, the citizens of Kansas City voted overwhelmingly to pass a half-cent sales tax to fund a major restoration of the historic landmark memorial. In 2004, Kansas Citians approved a bond issue to construct this world-class museum that has been designed to educate future generations about conflict resolution and provide a global, present-day perspective on the events of World War I.
"This is one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world. However, this museum will not just put objects on display; it will put whole events on display. It promises to be one of the most exciting museums in the country," said Ralph Appelbaum.
With the Centennial of the outset of "The Great War" approaching, Kansas City's new museum takes on added significance. "Unlike Europe, America does not have war museums, Appelbaum noted. "What we are building in Kansas City is totally unique and unlike any other museum in the country or the world. It will make Kansas City a must-see destination for those interested in knowledge-based tourism. It also will help us further understand and bear witness to an event that, until now, has been fading from history."
Appelbaum is considered by many to be the top museum designer in the world today. He has been involved in more than 120 museum projects in the last 25 years and is well-known for his work on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.; the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Ark.; and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
The Memorial Today, Home of the America's WW1 Museum
National World War I Museum Announces Its
February & March 2008 Programs
Saturday, February 9, Noon
The Great War, the Great Movies” Series: Hell’s Angels
Released in 1930, this big-budget film was directed by Howard Hughes. Starring Ben Lyon, a trained World War I pilot, and Kansas City’s own Jean Harlow. The movie tells of two brothers who enlist with the RAF when WWI breaks out. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration–Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Saturday, February 16, 11 a.m.
The Legacy of the Great War: 90 Years On - Scholars Forum: Waging Total War: A Learning Curve or a Bleeding Curve
Dr. Holger Afflerbach, University of Leeds, and Dr. Gary Sheffield, University of Birmingham. Moderated by Dr. Jay Winter, Yale University. Co-sponsored by the Kansas City Public Library, Truman Presidential Library & Museum, Park University, Sosland Foundation, Oppenstein Brothers Foundation, The Stanley H. Durwood Foundation and Metropolitan Community College. Book signing to follow. This free lecture will be given in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Friday, February 22, 7 p.m.
The Great War, the Great Movies” Series: Dawn Patrol
This 1938 film stars Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone and David Niven. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration–Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Saturday, February 23, Noon
Repeat showing of Dawn Patrol (see Feb. 22)
Thursday, February 28, 2 p.m.
The Legacy of the Great War: 90 Years On - Scholars Forum: The Zimmermann Telegram and the Birth of Modern Intelligence
Free lecture by Dr. Thomas Boghardt from the International Spy Museum. Sponsored by UMKC’s History Department. Book signing to follow. This free lecture will be presented in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Friday, February 29, 7 p.m.
The Great War, the Great Movies” Series: The Blue Max
This 1966 film stars George Peppard, James Mason and Ursula Andress. The plot involves a brash, young German pilot’s desire to win the coveted German medal. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration–Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Saturday, March 1, Noon
Repeat showing of The Blue Max (see Feb. 29)
Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fourth Annual Militaria Collectors Fair
Area collectors of military artifacts from the Civil War to today set up displays in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby. Admission is free; regular admission charges apply if visiting the Museum. No buying, selling or trading of artifacts is permitted. Co-sponsored by the Kansas City Military Collectors Club.
Monday, March 3, 10 a.m.
“The Journey of Old Glory”
The White House Commission on Remembrance and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum are sponsoring a nationwide flag raising effort. Old Glory will travel to 20 states with ceremonies at historic battle sites, national cemeteries and other historically significant sites including the Museum.
Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m.
“Liberty for All” Lecture Series: Remembering the Buffalo Soldier: Memorials to Black Soldiers of the Indian Wars
Lecture given by Dr. Frank N. Schubert, noted author who recently retired from the Joint History Office, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Book signing will follow. This free lecture will be given in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Thursday, March 13, 2 p.m.
Free Lecture: The German Occupation of Eastern Europe: Policies and Stereotypes
Dr. Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, University of Tennessee. Sponsored by UMKC’s History Department. Book signing to follow. This free lecture will be presented in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Friday, March 14, 7 p.m.
The Great War, the Great Movies” Series:
This 2006 film, starring James Franco, portrays American pilots who flew for the French in the famed Lafayette Escadrille. A vivid use of modern special effects. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration–Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
Saturday, March 15, Noon
Repeat showing of Flyboys (see March 14)
Thursday, March 20, 2 p.m.
Free lecture: African American Soldiers and Their Uniforms
Presented by Dr. Pellom McDaniels, UMKC Assistant Professor of History and American Studies. Lecture sponsored by the UMKC History Department. This free lecture will be offered in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium at the National World War I Museum.
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Important Web Pages:
The National World War 1 Museum
The Western Front Association-USA National World War 1 Museum Chapter [We Offer Additional Programs for the Public and Our Members.]
Updated: February 2008
Copyright ©1999 - 2006, The Western Front Association, US Branch
Website maintained by M. Hanlon
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