Liberty Memorial In Kansas City

[Major Matt Lewis]

Too often when you live in an area you often don't "see the sights."  Such was the case when I lived in Dallas.  I never went to the Book Depository or for that fact anywhere else "Touristy."  That was my loss.  I vowed not to do that again.  So, I went to the National World War 1 Museam today.  That place was AWESOME.  Completely Awesome.  I figured it would be an hour or so, but I spent 5 hours there.  It was cool enough to even keep my 4 & 6 year olds entertained.  I still feel I haven't got the whole benefit of the place, and will go back.  But it was educational, entertaining and saddening at the same time. 

[OKDEE]

Hey Major Matt Lewis! 

I remember going with my Dad, way back in the early 60's.  I do not remember how long it took, but I was left with a feeling of awe!  I am sure they have remodeled and cleaned it up, since.  But it was pretty kool.  An for a little tyke, (me) the battlefields with the little soldiers and horses, and cannons, was pretty much the best part.  I went again, later on in my twenties with a buddy, while we rode bikes going to the farm in Misssouri.  I think parts of it were closed due to different reasons.

Sincerely
Oklahoma Dee

[Major Matt Lewis]

Oklahoma Dee,

Pard, how have you been?  Still faster than Greased Lightning?  I didn't make it to Landrun this year, did you?  The wife works every Friday & Saturday night so I am on Daddy Duty and have been forced to confine my shooting to the local scene.  Oh well..

But on to the Museum, they have completely redone the Museum.  There is now a lower level with even an IMAX movie theater.  There are interactive things and just a whole bunch of stuff.  I HIGHLY recommend it.  Hope to shoot with you sometime down the road. 

Your Pard
MML

[Dr. Bob]

OKDEE,

I volunteer at the National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial.  It was closed for several years with structural problems.  Bonds [?] were voted and the problems were fixed.  At the same time private money was raised and the City [Kansa City, MO] gave more and a state of the art museum was built under the deck.  The two original exhibit areas, Memory Hall [east side] and Exhibit Hall [west side] are still open.  The new museum opened Dec. 2, 2006.  It is built around the base of the tower.  There is an introductory film on the causes of the War at the  entrance.  The first set of exhibits cover the war from it's beginning to the entrance of the US in 1917.  Opposite the entrance is the "Horizon Theater"  which is wide angle and has 4 or 5 projectors and some special effects.  Not quite an IMAX, but very impressive.  The rest of the exhibits are about the US participation.  There are 3 aircraft replicas, a pusher plane, a Focker and a French Nieuport with Lafayette Espadrille markings.  Lots of small arms, artillery, uniforms and since May 3, a Renault FT 17 tank!  Also a 1917 Harley and General Pershing's 4 star personal flag!  Lots of personal items of the various armies too.  I would suggest allowing at least 4 hours to see it all the first time.  Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday. 

Adults $8 for the Museums
Adults $4 for the Tower [45 steps to climb after the elevator ride. Great view of the city.  Last group to the top at 4:15]
Both for $10

I'm not sure of the children's prices.

Active duty military are free.