World War I Museum - Kansas City, Missouri

"The War to End All Wars" was fought over 90years ago, but today, the history lives on strong at the National World War I Museum. Located in Kansas City, Missouri; the National World War I Museum is built directly below the Liberty Memorial. Burning still today is the eternal flame, burning since its opening in 1926.

After nearly six years of work, and $26million of work, the National World War I Museum is the premier World War I museum in the country. From the origins of the war, to the alliances formed, to the styles of combat, to the tools used by the men, all is covered in great detail in this piece of history. As a visitor progresses through the museum, they progress through the war, with half dedicated to before the United States involvement, and the other to after the United States became involved.

Upon entering the museum, the visitor crosses a glass bridge, spanning a field of 9,000 red poppies, each representing 1,000 combat deaths in the war, or a total of nine million deaths. After crossing the bridge, visitors enter a small theater, in which a short presentation gives a brief history of the events, from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, to various alliances of the war.

After this presentation, the guests enter the museum, and are free to browse about the first half of the museum. Hundreds of weapons are displayed, from elaborate service pistols to the basic infantry rifle, all are detailed and identified. Uniforms are displayed with various significant patches and medals displayed. Interactive exhibits show various vehicles used, to the tactics of trench warfare.

Larger pieces of history are also displayed, including many types of artillery pieces, a model German submarine, an early British fighter plane and various carts used by the cavalry units of all militaries. Also displayed are many machine guns, those responsible for making trench warfare so deadly.

After observing this history, visitors watch a movie projection integrated with movement of troops, vehicles and special effects below them. Following this ten-minute presentation, visitors enter the post-United States involvement portion of the museum. Nearly every piece of United States firepower used by soldiers is displayed. Even displayed is an early Ford truck, used as an ambulance to transport wounded back from the frontlines.

Near the end of the exhibit is a portion dedicated to the effects of the war upon Kansas City, showing various products that were made in the city, as well as a few of the young men who served and died for their country.

Overall, the National World War I Museum and Liberty Memorial is a great trip for an afternoon in Kansas City. For the seven dollar admission, spend an afternoon, and be sure to take a camera with you.