International Museums: National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
Posted by FirearmsTruth on December 17, 2011 · 5 Comments
The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
A too-well kept secret is the National World I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. The Liberty Memorial was dedicated in 1921 in an event attended by the military leaders of the five Allied nations, the first time these leaders were together at one place. The Liberty Memorial opened on November 11, 1926 and in 2004 President George W. Bush signed into law a bill that designated the Liberty Memorial as the National World War I Museum, and in 2006 the site was deemed a National Historic Landmark. With just seven percent of the collection on display, this is simply one of the finest displays of the Great War. (click on images for a closer view)
Even the menu at the "Over There" Cafe carries on the Great War theme
One of many "big guns" graces the exhibit hall entrance
Firearms considered obsolete (but still in use) at the outbreak of the war in 1914
The American made Lewis Gun
Various sniper rifles and sniper weapons from the Western Front
German machine guns, including a Maxim (bottom)
French machine guns - a Hotchkiss (bottom) and Chauchat (top)
A rare British naval sidearm
Aircraft machine guns from the war above the trenches
A small display of World War I Lugars and accessories
A variety of hand grenades and rifle grenades (bottom)
An American M1917 helmet with the USMC EGA (Eagle, Globe and Anchor)
An American M1917 helmet that was painted on the "boat ride" home
American small arms including the BAR (top left) and trench shotgun (center right) that went "Over There"
Another look at the American small arms, combat equipment as well as two "expertimental helmets" including the Liberty Bell (top) and Model 5 (bottom)
American used machine guns including a Chauchat
What would the museum be without this impressive French-made Renault FT American-used tank
A nice group of German stahlhelms (steel helmets) - these feature various camouflage paint patterns
A mix of German caps in the museum devoted to the German soldier's experience
A Model 1911 .45 caliber pistol with early 1917 pattern web belt, holster and magazine pouches
Great trip through the museum…..sometimes it ‘s hard to get good pictures in museums, but these do nicely,
Thanks!
Excellent pics, and fine comments as well. LIked very much. Thank you Pete.
Gabriel
Pete, this is a treasure that I’ve never realized existed! Phenomenal photo’s and great background information. I’ve got to make the trip to Kansas City.
Very nice stuff. I’ll have to remember this place the next time I’m out there.
The WWI Museum has a traveling display going around the country. It was in Orange County, CA on Saturday and Company members Earl Robinson and Mark Kasal, with his 4-year old grandson Brandon in toe, visited it while it was at the Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne Airport. Check the museum’s website to see where the display will be next.