The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, has the largest collection of artifacts from the Great War. World War I took place between 1914 and 1918, and soon after the war ended, the Liberty Memorial Association was formed. The Association began collecting war-related documents and artefacts in 1920. The Liberty Memorial was completed in 1926 with funds raised by the citizens of Kansas City. The new and upgraded museum opened in 2006.
As you enter the museum, you will see a field of 9,000 red poppies, each of which represents the life of 1,000 soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The two main galleries of the museum house a number of artifacts from the Great War. One gallery highlights the time after the United States entered the war including efforts for peace by both civilians and the military. The other main gallery showcases the first part of World War I at the time before the U.S. was involved. Some items that you will see are a Renault FT tank, uniforms, flags, maps, photographs, propaganda posters, munitions, a Ford Model T ambulance from 1918, and replica trenches. The museum’s mission is to help people remember and understand the Great War, and the long-lasting effects it had on the global community.
Take a break to eat at the Over There Café. This is not simply a place to eat, but part of the experience of the National World War I Museum and Memorial. The café has a menu with a number of dishes in the Eat Like a Soldier section, such as Trench Stew and Army Goulash. The café is decorated with flags, and artworks that fit the theme.