National WWI Museum and Memorial

Spend your afternoon break with Kansas City jazz musician Desmond Mason, who just wrapped up his livestreamed concert atop the Liberty Memorial tower. Thank you to Make Music Kansas City and KCMO Parks and Rec for organizing this event.

Taps at the Tower begins today and will take place each evening at sunset, through Saturday, June 26, rain or shine. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Stay tuned to our event page for up to date details.

Looking for a last-minute Father's Day gift? Reserve him a spot with War Remains, our immersive VR experience taking you back to the Western Front of WWI. Tickets at theworldwar.org/warremains

Looking to celebrate or learn more about Juneteenth? Consider going to your local library and borrowing Pulitzer-Prize winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed’s On Juneteenth, participate in an online program (https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/juneteenth) with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture or other partners in the Made By Us community. If you are in Kansas City, head to the 18th and Vine District and enjoy a full listing of events: https://www.juneteenth-kc.com.

In the Belle Époque years before 1914, absinthe was celebrated in cafes and literature alike, but by the end of World War I, wine was synonymous with French culture. Tickets are now LIVE for our exciting virtual event on absinthe and wine with The Restaurant at 1900 Building and Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Doug Frost this month. You can choose between a "spirited" ticket (with tastings) or a "temperance" ticket. Either way, we don't do dry history. Tickets: my.theworldwar.org/absinthewine/

The Army now officially recognizes a historic Harlem unit by what the enemy called them in World War I. The Harlem Hellfighters is now the official special designation for the 369th Sustainment Brigade, the New York National Guard said Friday. The unit traces its lineage to the all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment, which earned the moniker over a century ago in fierce fighting that’s been credited with helping to break down racial barriers.

Clothing is a barometer of change and a wonderful public response can mean an exhibition's extension! #SilkAndSteel has now been extended and will run through Sept. 6, 2021 at the Museum and Memorial. From the evolution of the war-time silhouette, the influence of military uniforms and post-war emancipation, Silk and Steel provides a new chapter of the history of the war. Learn more and purchase advance tickets at http://ow.ly/3kRb30r7ZpJ. Partner: Bard Graduate Center... Sponsor: PNC See more

World War I established the roots of the systemic production and dissemination of propaganda. Learn about the beginning of pervasive propaganda in the U.S. Join Dr. John Maxwell Hamilton, fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a professor at Louisiana State University, in discussion on is new book Manipulating the Masses. Explore how the Committee on Public Information (CPI) became the nation’s first and only ministry of propaganda and how those attitudes and techniques have carried on. Starts at 7 p.m., Central Time.

We couldn't open our doors without our remarkable volunteers in blue shirts. Our volunteers are there to greet you, assist with questions, help staff with various roles, and most importantly, be there to talk about their passion for WWI, history, and learning. Please help us in thanking them during your next visit or by sharing a comment of appreciation below!

On this day in 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. For most, Auschwitz is a symbol of the Holocaust and of crimes against humanity in WWII. We remember the millions who perished as a result of hatred and are reminded of how inhuman humans can be, especially in times of war. #HolocaustRemembranceDay #NeverAgain... Image courtesy of Auschwitz Memorial / Muzeum Auschwitz

Take advantage of our large galleries and small crowds today! We're open Tuesday-Sunday, from 10a-5p. Plan your visit or pre-purchase tickets at theworldwar.org.

Beautiful capture of the Legacy Jump's symbolic WWI soldier BASE jump from the Liberty Memorial Tower. Today was chilly but energetic as we welcomed large crowds to observe in-person as well as our national audience tuning in on Fox & Friends live coverage. We'll share more photos and videos of the multiple jumps later today. Meanwhile, please join us at 10 a.m. for our #VeteransDay ceremony in-person or online at youtu.be/xA9HMRZEBQU. Jeff Biernbaum Photography

Participants in the Legacy Jump on Wed, Nov. 11, are veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan War and Iraq War, as well as Sept. 11. A symbolic WWI Soldier and Missing Man BASE Jump from the 217-foot Liberty Memorial tower will end the event. UPDATES: Watch the skydive in-person or LIVE on Fox & Friends around 7:30 (CST). Please note the updated time of the jump and continue to monitor our social channels for any updates.

We love this moody but pretty skyline of trees on our grounds during the "ice fog" this week. The entire Memorial was enveloped in it. Photo courtesy of Darren.

20 veterans will skydive over the Museum, landing on the Southeast Lawn (note updated location) tomorrow, Nov. 11, at 6:30 a.m. (CST) Public are welcome to watch in-person from a distance (recommended standing areas: the Mall and Memorial Courtyard) or from their couch LIVE on Fox & Friends. FOX coverage begins at 4:30 (CST). Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages in case of updates. Pictured: Ryan Birdman Parrott holding up his parachute for tomorrow's BASE jump off the Liberty Memorial Tower. Parrott served 8 years in U.S. Navy, 6 as a U.S. Navy SEAL attached to Team SEVEN, completing 3 combat tours to Iraq before being assigned to Advanced Training Command as an Instructor.

It is vital this holiday season to shop small and #BuyMuseum! Ditch the big chains and support your local museum shops, whether its ours or another nonprofit organization you love. All purchases at the Museum Shop are tax free and are vital funds we need to continue doing the work of our mission. Shop online now at shop.theworldwar.org or stop in this weekend to check off your holiday shopping list.

If you are unable to join us in-person at our outdoor Veterans Day ceremony tomorrow, tune in LIVE at 10 a.m. (CDT) at https://youtu.be/xA9HMRZEBQU (weather-permitting). We'll share more information later today on how to watch the skydive taking place at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow as well.

Curious about what it's like to visit the Museum right now? Allow us to walk you through the Museum ticketing and entrance experience in the video below, from the parking lot all the way to opening those museum gallery doors. Now that you know what to expect during your visit, you can plan your trip at theworldwar.org. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

It is vital this holiday season to shop small and #BuyMuseum. Ditch big chains and support your local shops, whether its ours or another nonprofit organization you love. Shop online now at http://shop.theworldwar.org and check out our Gift Guide at http://ow.ly/n0t130rlY0V.

Here are 8 ways to show your appreciation on and around Veterans Day. 1. Show up. Attend a Veterans Day event in your area. (Join us! theworldwar.org/veteransday) 2. Donate. Find an organization that supports veterans. 3. Fly a U.S. flag... 4. Ask someone about their service. Questions such as What did you do in the military? and How long did you serve? are great starting points. 5. Write a note of gratitude. Send a postcard, letter or email. 6. Don’t confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day. Veterans Day is a time to thank people for their service. Memorial Day is meant to reflect on those who gave their lives during service. 7. Visit a VA Hospital or find other ways to support one | Many host special events on Veterans Day. 8. Get outdoors with a Veteran. Admission to national parks is free for everyone on #VeteransDay. via Military.com

Be on the lookout for two UH-60 Blackhawks from the 1-108th Aviation Regiment of the Kansas Army National Guard flying over downtown Kansas City and the Museum and Memorial starting at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of #VeteransDay. Flyover path marked below. Thank you, Black & Veatch.

The message from an infantry soldier based at Ingersheim, written in German in a barely legible hand, detailed military manoeuvres apparently during the First World War and was addressed to a superior officer.

Join us at Noon (CST) for a conversation with Gary Lewis as we discuss Joyeux Noel, the French film that recreates the events of the 1914 Christmas Truce, a historic holiday moment celebrating peace in a time of war. Discover some of the behind-the-scenes stories and real-life WWI connections in a cheerful chat with the BAFTA-nominated, Scottish actor.

Are you an early-riser? Join us on Nov. 11, at 6:30 a.m., to observe an All Veteran Group parachute team that will tandem skydive a veteran from each war World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan War & Iraq War, as well as Sept. 11 and land on the Museum's North Lawn. A symbolic WWI Soldier & Missing Man will also BASE Jump from the Liberty Memorial Tower. Learn more: theworldwar.org/veteransday

Veterans Day is next week on Nov. 11. Join fellow Americans in honoring veterans, present and past, with special activities, public ceremonies on the grounds and free general admission for veterans/active duty military to the Museum, Nov. 7-15. In addition, general admission is half price for the public on Nov. 11. Make your plans at theworldwar.org/veteransday.

What always unites us: supporting our veterans who have served and sacrificed. The wearing of poppy pins is a symbol that endures to this day from World War I. Many staff and volunteers at the Museum choose to wear the pin throughout the year but it is typically worn in the 11 days leading up to November 11, known as Veterans Day in the U.S. and Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. Poppies are worn in remembrance of those who have died in war and also... symbolizes a bond of gratefulness between the living and the dead. Don't have a pin? You can buy one in our Museum Shop or online here: ow.ly/aW2a30qHvfI Pictured: visiting Canadian officer and his family at the Museum and Memorial on Veterans Day wearing their poppies.

Veterans Day is next week on Nov. 11. Join us in honoring veterans with special activities, public ceremonies on the grounds and free general admission for veterans/active duty military to the Museum, Nov. 7-15. In addition, general admission is half price for the public on Nov. 11. Make plans to honor veterans on Nov. 11 here or at home by exploring our page at theworldwar.org/veteransday.

The "Georgia on My Mind" song is being widely shared today. It was a 1930 song written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell and first recorded by Hoagy. Listen to the original recording below! Louis Armstrong first recorded his version of the song #OTD in 1931. Hoagy tried to enter service during World War I but was rejected constantly as underweight until he was finally accepted. The next day the war ended.

While the world waits for the final election reports, enjoy this fluffy mood that models our WWI voting day stickers. Hold your sweet animals today! It’s going to be a long week.

Photographs from today as people hit the polls at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Because we never miss an educational opportunity, we have signage about "100 Years of Democracy" leading up to the voting entrance. We're so proud to be a polling place and to open our doors to the community in this way. Remember that if you come by with your "I Voted" sticker, you can receive half-price admission today until close! Plan your visit at theworldwar.org/safe.