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This page reflects the history of the Liberty Memorial. Factual changes "Exhibition Hall" should be "Exhibit Hall", Memorial Association should be "Liberty Memorial Association". Basic updating (2014 House) & grammar edits
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The '''Liberty Memorial''', located in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]], [[United States|USA]], is a memorial to service men and women who served in [[World War I]]. It is located at the [[#The National World War I Museum|The National World War I Museum]], as designated by the [[United States Congress]] in 2004.<ref name= "Memorial">[http://www.theworldwar.org The National World War One Museum], theworldwar.org.</ref> [[Groundbreaking]] commenced November 1, 1921, and the city held a site dedication. The memorial was completed and dedicated on November 11, 1926.
The '''Liberty Memorial''', located at the [[National World War I Museum]] in [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], [[Missouri]], [[United States|USA]], is a memorial to service men and women who served in [[World War I]]. <ref name= "Memorial">[http://www.theworldwar.org The National World War One Museum], theworldwar.org.</ref> Fundraising began in October of 1919 and [[groundbreaking]] commenced on November 1, 1921 when the city held a site dedication. The memorial was completed and dedicated on November 11, 1926.<ref>{{cite web|title=Liberty Memorial Timeline|url=https://theworldwar.org/explore/museum-and-memorial|website=www.theworldwar.org}}</ref>


On September 21, 2006, [[United States Secretary of the Interior|Secretary of the Interior]] [[Dirk Kempthorne]] declared Liberty Memorial a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref>[http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/9904359/detail.html Liberty Memorial Designated Historic Landmark - Kansas City News Story - KMBC Kansas City<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
On September 21, 2006, [[United States Secretary of the Interior|Secretary of the Interior]] [[Dirk Kempthorne]] declared Liberty Memorial a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref>[http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/9904359/detail.html Liberty Memorial Designated Historic Landmark - Kansas City News Story - KMBC Kansas City<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The [[House of Representatives]] approved language designating Liberty Memorial as a national World War I monument.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pekow|first1=Charles|title=World War I Memorial|url=http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/world-war-i-memorial-deserves-more-respect-from-congress/2014/08/09|website=Baltimore Post Examiner}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The memorial in [[Penn Valley Park]] was designed by [[Harold Van Buren Magonigle]] who won a design competition. Several sculptors, including [[Robert Aitken (sculptor)|Robert Aitken]] were involved. The approaches were designed by [[Wight and Wight]].
The memorial in [[Penn Valley Park]] was designed by [[Harold Van Buren Magonigle]] who won a national design competition. Several sculptors, including [[Robert Aitken (sculptor)|Robert Aitken]] were involved. The approaches were designed by [[Wight and Wight]].


===Memorial Association===
===Liberty Memorial Association===
By the time World War I ended on November 11, 1918, many citizens of Kansas and Missouri had lost their lives and a movement to build a monument for their sacrifices and the surviving veterans arose. A group of 40 prominent citizens formed a Memorial Association and chose [[Business magnate|lumber baron]] and [[Philanthropy|philanthropist]] [[Robert A. Long]], who had personally given a large sum of money, as president.<ref>http://www.kchistory.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Biographies&CISOPTR=230&CISOBOX=1&REC=19</ref> Others included:
By the time World War I ended on November 11, 1918, many citizens of Kansas and Missouri had lost their lives and a movement to build a monument for their sacrifices and the surviving veterans arose. A group of 40 prominent citizens formed the Liberty Memorial Association and chose [[Business magnate|lumber baron]] and [[Philanthropy|philanthropist]] [[Robert A. Long]], who had personally given a large sum of money, as president.<ref>http://www.kchistory.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Biographies&CISOPTR=230&CISOBOX=1&REC=19</ref> Others included:
*'''James Madison Kemper''' was treasurer of the association. For a short time in 1919 he was President of [[UMB Financial Corporation|City Center Bank]] that was founded by his father, [[William T. Kemper]]. His brother, [[R. Crosby Kemper|Rufus Crosby Kemper Sr.]], became president when he left to take over as president of [[Commerce Bancshares]], also controlled by his father.
*'''James Madison Kemper''' was treasurer of the association. For a short time in 1919 he was President of [[UMB Financial Corporation|City Center Bank]] that was founded by his father, [[William T. Kemper]]. His brother, [[R. Crosby Kemper|Rufus Crosby Kemper Sr.]], became president when he left to take over as president of [[Commerce Bancshares]], also controlled by his father.
*[[Jesse Clyde Nichols]] (J.C.), a real estate developer, was a lead proponent of the Liberty Monument.
*[[Jesse Clyde Nichols]] (J.C.), a real estate developer, was a lead proponent of the Liberty Monument.
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[[File:Tribute at the Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, c. 1940.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=Commemorative ceremonies at the Liberty Memorial, c. 1940.|Commemorative ceremonies at the Liberty Memorial, c. 1940.]]
[[File:Tribute at the Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, c. 1940.jpg|thumb|left|300px|alt=Commemorative ceremonies at the Liberty Memorial, c. 1940.|Commemorative ceremonies at the Liberty Memorial, c. 1940.]]


The city council appointed the association to look into the possibility of a monument and funding. In less than a year the association had spearheaded a fund drive that included 83,000 contributors and collected more than 2.5 million dollars. There would not be the monetary problems that plagued the [[Bunker Hill Monument]].
The city council appointed the association to look into the possibility of a monument and funding. In less than a year, the association had spearheaded a fund drive that included 83,000 contributors and collected more than 2.5 million dollars. There would not be the monetary problems that plagued the [[Bunker Hill Monument]].


In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 1921, were then-Vice President Coolidge, Lieutenant General [[Jules Marie Alphonse Jacques de Dixmude|Baron Jacques]] of Belgium, [[David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty|Admiral Earl Beatty]] of [[Great Britain]], General [[Armando Diaz]] of [[Italy]], Marshal [[Ferdinand Foch]] of [[France]], and General [[John Pershing]] of the [[United States]], along with sixty thousand members of the [[American Legion]]; the local veteran chosen to present flags to the commanders was a Kansas City haberdasher, [[Harry S Truman]],{{sfn|McCullough|1992|p=150}} who would later serve as President of the United States. The finished monument was dedicated on November 11, 1926, by U.S. President [[Calvin Coolidge]], in the presence of [[Queen Marie of Romania]].<ref>Donovan, Derek:[http://www.tkinter.smig.net/queenmarie/LibertyMemorial/index.htm Marie, Queen of Romania Visits Kansas City's Liberty Memorial]</ref> In 1935, [[Reliefs|bas reliefs]] by [[Walker Hancock]] of Jacques, Beatty, Diaz, Foch and Pershing were unveiled.
In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 1921, were then-Vice President [[Calvin Coolidge]], Lieutenant General [[Jules Marie Alphonse Jacques de Dixmude|Baron Jacques]] of Belgium, [[David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty|Admiral Earl Beatty]] of [[Great Britain]], General [[Armando Diaz]] of [[Italy]], Marshal [[Ferdinand Foch]] of [[France]], and General [[John Pershing]] of the [[United States]], along with sixty thousand members of the [[American Legion]]; the local veteran chosen to present flags to the commanders was a Kansas City haberdasher, [[Harry S Truman]],{{sfn|McCullough|1992|p=150}} who would later serve as President of the United States. The finished monument was dedicated on November 11, 1926, by U.S. President [[Calvin Coolidge]], in the presence of [[Queen Marie of Romania]].<ref>Donovan, Derek:[http://www.tkinter.smig.net/queenmarie/LibertyMemorial/index.htm Marie, Queen of Romania Visits Kansas City's Liberty Memorial]</ref> In 1935, [[Reliefs|bas reliefs]] by [[Walker Hancock]] of Jacques, Beatty, Diaz, Foch and Pershing were unveiled.


The Memorial and Monument are managed by a non-profit organization<ref>{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LIY/is_3_91/ai_110734292 | work=VFW Magazine | title=Liberty Memorial Museum: a 'world class' museum in the making: designers of this new WWI museum draw parallels between that war and those of today | year=2003}}</ref> in cooperation with the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners.<ref name= "Memorial" /> In 1981, the building underwent a major renovation which updated existing systems to modern code specifications. Another substantial renovation, with a cost estimate of $5 million was undertaken beginning in December, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/renovation-begins-at-national-world-war-i-museum-at-liberty-memorial|title=Renovation begins at National World War I museum at Liberty Memorial|publisher=KSHB-TV website|date=27 December 2011|accessdate=2 February 2013}}</ref> They included $170,000 in energy efficiency upgrades to the building as well as improvements to the artificial flame atop the tower.<ref name=KCTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.kctv5.com/story/20941960/flame-returns-to-liberty-memorial|title=Flame returns to Liberty Memorial|publisher=KCTV-TV website|date=2 February 2013|accessdate=2 February 2013}}</ref> After several months of dormancy the flame was"relit" on February 1, 2013. Other portions of the overall renovation included security upgrades along with repairs to certain limestone sections and brush removal.<ref name=KCTV/>
The Memorial and Monument are managed by a non-profit organization<ref>{{cite news| url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0LIY/is_3_91/ai_110734292 | work=VFW Magazine | title=Liberty Memorial Museum: a 'world class' museum in the making: designers of this new WWI museum draw parallels between that war and those of today | year=2003}}</ref> in cooperation with the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners.<ref name= "Memorial" /> In 1981, the building underwent a major renovation which updated existing systems to modern code specifications. Another substantial renovation, with a cost estimate of $5 million was undertaken beginning in December, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/local_news/renovation-begins-at-national-world-war-i-museum-at-liberty-memorial|title=Renovation begins at National World War I museum at Liberty Memorial|publisher=KSHB-TV website|date=27 December 2011|accessdate=2 February 2013}}</ref> They included $170,000 in energy efficiency upgrades to the building as well as improvements to the artificial flame atop the tower.<ref name=KCTV>{{cite web|url=http://www.kctv5.com/story/20941960/flame-returns-to-liberty-memorial|title=Flame returns to Liberty Memorial|publisher=KCTV-TV website|date=2 February 2013|accessdate=2 February 2013}}</ref> After several months of dormancy the flame was"relit" on February 1, 2013. Other portions of the overall renovation included security upgrades along with repairs to certain limestone sections and brush removal.<ref name=KCTV/>
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At night, the top of the {{convert|217|ft|adj=on}} tall memorial tower emits steam illuminated by bright orange lights. This effect creates the illusion of a burning [[pyre]] and can be seen for some distance. Overall, the memorial rises {{convert|265|ft}} above the surrounding area.
At night, the top of the {{convert|217|ft|adj=on}} tall memorial tower emits steam illuminated by bright orange lights. This effect creates the illusion of a burning [[pyre]] and can be seen for some distance. Overall, the memorial rises {{convert|265|ft}} above the surrounding area.


The grounds were designed by [[George Kessler]] who had rocketed to fame on the strength of his [[City Beautiful]] design for the Kansas City park and boulevard system.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/history/nR/feature/va/2007/libertymemorial.htm Liberty Memorial, featured in honor of Veterans Day<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The road on the west side of the Memorial is Kessler Road.
The grounds were designed by [[George Kessler]] who rocketed to fame on the strength of his [[City Beautiful]] design for the Kansas City park and boulevard system.<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/history/nR/feature/va/2007/libertymemorial.htm Liberty Memorial, featured in honor of Veterans Day<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The road on the west side of the Memorial is Kessler Road.
{{wide image|Kansascitylibertymemorialsculpture.jpg|800px|The Great Frieze by [[Edmond Romulus Amateis|Edmond Amateis]].<ref>http://ahr-kc.com/reports/liberty_memorial/</ref> Main inscription reads "These have dared bear the torches of sacrifice and service. Their bodies return to dust but their work liveth evermore. Let us strive on to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."}}
{{wide image|Kansascitylibertymemorialsculpture.jpg|800px|The Great Frieze by [[Edmond Romulus Amateis|Edmond Amateis]].<ref>http://ahr-kc.com/reports/liberty_memorial/</ref> Main inscription reads "These have dared bear the torches of sacrifice and service. Their bodies return to dust but their work liveth evermore. Let us strive on to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."}}


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{{Main|National World War I Museum}}
{{Main|National World War I Museum}}


Liberty Memorial in [[Kansas City, Missouri]] houses the official [[World War I]] museum of the United States. Designated in 2004 by the United States Congress as America's official museum dedicated to [[World War I]], the new museum opened to the public in December 2006. The new subterranean facility was designed by [[Ralph Appelbaum Associates]] and greatly expands the original facilities that are still housed on the main deck of the Liberty Memorial: Exhibition Hall and Memory Hall.<ref>[http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/images/editor_documents/mission%20statement%20and%20brief%20history.pdf National World War I Museum Mission and History]</ref>
Liberty Memorial in [[Kansas City, Missouri]] houses the national [[World War I]] museum of the United States. Designated in 2004 by the United States Congress as America's official museum dedicated to [[World War I]], the expanded facility opened to the public in December 2006 to provide larger gallery space to showcase an artifact collection that began in 1920. The new subterranean facility was designed by [[Ralph Appelbaum Associates]] and greatly expands the original facilities of Exhibit Hall and Memory Hall, located on the main courtyard.<ref>[http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/images/editor_documents/mission%20statement%20and%20brief%20history.pdf National World War I Museum Mission and History]</ref>


==WWI Centennial Observance ==
==WWI Centennial Observance ==

Revision as of 20:34, 22 November 2014

For the building in North Dakota, see Liberty Memorial Building.
National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial
LocationKansas City, Missouri
Built1926
ArchitectHarold Van Buren Magonigle, Westlake Construction Company
Architectural styleBeaux Arts Classicism, Egyptian Revival
NRHP reference No.00001148
Significant dates
Added to NRHPSeptember 20, 2006[1]
Designated NHLSeptember 20, 2006[2]

The Liberty Memorial, located at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, is a memorial to service men and women who served in World War I. [3] Fundraising began in October of 1919 and groundbreaking commenced on November 1, 1921 when the city held a site dedication. The memorial was completed and dedicated on November 11, 1926.[4]

On September 21, 2006, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne declared Liberty Memorial a National Historic Landmark.[5] The House of Representatives approved language designating Liberty Memorial as a national World War I monument.[6]

History

The memorial in Penn Valley Park was designed by Harold Van Buren Magonigle who won a national design competition. Several sculptors, including Robert Aitken were involved. The approaches were designed by Wight and Wight.

Liberty Memorial Association

By the time World War I ended on November 11, 1918, many citizens of Kansas and Missouri had lost their lives and a movement to build a monument for their sacrifices and the surviving veterans arose. A group of 40 prominent citizens formed the Liberty Memorial Association and chose lumber baron and philanthropist Robert A. Long, who had personally given a large sum of money, as president.[7] Others included:

Commemorative ceremonies at the Liberty Memorial, c. 1940.
Commemorative ceremonies at the Liberty Memorial, c. 1940.

The city council appointed the association to look into the possibility of a monument and funding. In less than a year, the association had spearheaded a fund drive that included 83,000 contributors and collected more than 2.5 million dollars. There would not be the monetary problems that plagued the Bunker Hill Monument.

In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 1921, were then-Vice President Calvin Coolidge, Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium, Admiral Earl Beatty of Great Britain, General Armando Diaz of Italy, Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France, and General John Pershing of the United States, along with sixty thousand members of the American Legion; the local veteran chosen to present flags to the commanders was a Kansas City haberdasher, Harry S Truman,[9] who would later serve as President of the United States. The finished monument was dedicated on November 11, 1926, by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, in the presence of Queen Marie of Romania.[10] In 1935, bas reliefs by Walker Hancock of Jacques, Beatty, Diaz, Foch and Pershing were unveiled.

The Memorial and Monument are managed by a non-profit organization[11] in cooperation with the Kansas City Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners.[3] In 1981, the building underwent a major renovation which updated existing systems to modern code specifications. Another substantial renovation, with a cost estimate of $5 million was undertaken beginning in December, 2011.[12] They included $170,000 in energy efficiency upgrades to the building as well as improvements to the artificial flame atop the tower.[13] After several months of dormancy the flame was"relit" on February 1, 2013. Other portions of the overall renovation included security upgrades along with repairs to certain limestone sections and brush removal.[13]

Design

The building is designed in the classical Egyptian Revival style of architecture with a limestone exterior. The foundation was constructed using sawed granite, and the exterior ground level walls are made of Bedford stone. The main doors at the top of a large set of stairs are made from ornamental bronze, and the walls of the first floor lobby are finished in Kasota stone, which was quarried in Kasota, Minnesota. The first floor corridor and the grand stairway are finished in travertine that was imported from Italy. The floors of the corridors and stairway treads are made from terrazzo and Kasota marble, and the balusters and railing are made from Italian travertine and Italian tavernelle clairemarble.

At night, the top of the 217-foot (66 m) tall memorial tower emits steam illuminated by bright orange lights. This effect creates the illusion of a burning pyre and can be seen for some distance. Overall, the memorial rises 265 feet (81 m) above the surrounding area.

The grounds were designed by George Kessler who rocketed to fame on the strength of his City Beautiful design for the Kansas City park and boulevard system.[14] The road on the west side of the Memorial is Kessler Road.

The Great Frieze by Edmond Amateis.[15] Main inscription reads "These have dared bear the torches of sacrifice and service. Their bodies return to dust but their work liveth evermore. Let us strive on to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

National World War I Museum

File:WWIMuseumLogo.tif
The logo of the new museum
Main article: National World War I Museum

Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri houses the national World War I museum of the United States. Designated in 2004 by the United States Congress as America's official museum dedicated to World War I, the expanded facility opened to the public in December 2006 to provide larger gallery space to showcase an artifact collection that began in 1920. The new subterranean facility was designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates and greatly expands the original facilities of Exhibit Hall and Memory Hall, located on the main courtyard.[16]

WWI Centennial Observance

There will be a special events though 2014-2018 to in observance of the centennial of World War One. One of these will be an Amateur Radio Special Event Station, WW1USA. See http://ww1usa.org

Special mention

According to Snopes.com: "Stubby was honored with a brick in the Walk of Honor at the United States World War I monument, Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City at a ceremony held on Armistice Day, November 11, 2006."[17]

Sources

Liberty Memorial at night.
  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. ^ "Liberty Memorial". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-06-28.
  3. ^ a b The National World War One Museum, theworldwar.org.
  4. ^ "Liberty Memorial Timeline". www.theworldwar.org.
  5. ^ Liberty Memorial Designated Historic Landmark - Kansas City News Story - KMBC Kansas City
  6. ^ Pekow, Charles. "World War I Memorial". Baltimore Post Examiner.
  7. ^ http://www.kchistory.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Biographies&CISOPTR=230&CISOBOX=1&REC=19
  8. ^ http://www.kclibrary.org/blog/month-kansas-city-history/monumental-undertaking
  9. ^ McCullough 1992, p. 150.
  10. ^ Donovan, Derek:Marie, Queen of Romania Visits Kansas City's Liberty Memorial
  11. ^ "Liberty Memorial Museum: a 'world class' museum in the making: designers of this new WWI museum draw parallels between that war and those of today". VFW Magazine. 2003.
  12. ^ "Renovation begins at National World War I museum at Liberty Memorial". KSHB-TV website. 27 December 2011. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  13. ^ a b "Flame returns to Liberty Memorial". KCTV-TV website. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  14. ^ Liberty Memorial, featured in honor of Veterans Day
  15. ^ http://ahr-kc.com/reports/liberty_memorial/
  16. ^ National World War I Museum Mission and History
  17. ^ "Stubby". Snopes.com. November 11, 2006. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
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