While scrolling through my newsfeed one day last year, I came across an article from Lonely Planet on the Top US Travel Destinations for 2014. I was a bit surprised to find Kansas City, MO listed as #6. They noted the fountains, BBQ, jazz, and appeal of the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. As most of you are aware, 2014 marks the centennial of World War I. Therefore, throughout the year, the museum will be hosting a plethora of events and celebrations. From what I've read and heard, the museum has become a national treasure and people from all over the world come to explore its artifacts and pay homage to those who served.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the museum and meet with their Curator of Education. It is AMAZING. If you have not had the opportunity to visit - set a date and get down there. The combination of the immaculate displays, wealth and authenticity of artifacts, and overarching atmosphere of the structure of the museum was chilling. To get into the museum you cross this incredible glass walkway suspended over a symbolic Western Front poppy field. There are nine thousand poppies, each poppy representing 1,000 deaths, to serve as a reminder of the 9 million people who perished as a result of the war. Walking through the museum you will find life size trenches, a French Renault FT-17 tank, a rich chronology of the war, interactive tables and the original Uncle Sam I Want You poster. Being there reminded me a lot of the national museums I've had the opportunity to visit in our Nation's Capital. Best part, this gem is about 20 minutes away.
From my meeting, I learned that the Museum is committed to telling a more complete story of World War I - highlighting the cultural, social, geographic and political complexities of the era - not just the battles. On their website, they have dedicated a page to "Learn," where they house an abundance of learning resources for educators and students. Here you will find primary sources, lesson plans, a timeline, interactive photos, and a list of teacher workshops and fellowships.
I highly encourage taking the time to check the National World I War Museum out, both in person and virtually.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the museum and meet with their Curator of Education. It is AMAZING. If you have not had the opportunity to visit - set a date and get down there. The combination of the immaculate displays, wealth and authenticity of artifacts, and overarching atmosphere of the structure of the museum was chilling. To get into the museum you cross this incredible glass walkway suspended over a symbolic Western Front poppy field. There are nine thousand poppies, each poppy representing 1,000 deaths, to serve as a reminder of the 9 million people who perished as a result of the war. Walking through the museum you will find life size trenches, a French Renault FT-17 tank, a rich chronology of the war, interactive tables and the original Uncle Sam I Want You poster. Being there reminded me a lot of the national museums I've had the opportunity to visit in our Nation's Capital. Best part, this gem is about 20 minutes away.
From my meeting, I learned that the Museum is committed to telling a more complete story of World War I - highlighting the cultural, social, geographic and political complexities of the era - not just the battles. On their website, they have dedicated a page to "Learn," where they house an abundance of learning resources for educators and students. Here you will find primary sources, lesson plans, a timeline, interactive photos, and a list of teacher workshops and fellowships.
I highly encourage taking the time to check the National World I War Museum out, both in person and virtually.