National World War I Museum Kansas City Missouri USA

WWI Museum 2017

The National World War I Museum in Kansas City is worth a day's visit to appreciate the mutliple history-changing events that are a part of the guiding timeline. The U S entered the war just two months ago plus 100 years, 6 April 2017.

In addition to typical storyboards, many objects are on display including large guns and vehicles. An audio tour is available in addition to the audio-visual presentations, storyboards, and answers from staff.

Entry is via a two-day ticket purchased at the lower level-below the large tower. Visitors are ushered in to a circular timeline after crossing poppy fields seen through a floor of glass.

The introductory film adds little to the presentation unless you have not recently read or learned about the war from another source.

A second film is not far along in the museum and heldforth some promise of greatness based on the lifesized diorama below the screen. unfortunately, the diorama was not not incorporated into much of the video. The seating is limited here and mostly without support unless you sit agains the back wall. Lighting is poor and reflects off the glass barriers.

The collection of objects is a primary reason to view the museum in order to get a better sense of the context of the war- there's a plane, tank, vehicles, field guns, and many display cases containing weapons and uniforms. 

Although it is clearly an American Museum focusing on the role of the US in 1917-1918, the museum does include narratives and artifacts from the other major powers and tries to give visitors a true sense of the range of countries involved in this truly "world" war.

The roles of women and minorities are a part of the war and the crucial homefront. Some displays give a sense of other issues of the time-- for example-- women could not vote.

Above the main hall is a central tower that contains an elevator plus several steps leading to an impressive view of Kansas City. It is included in the entrance fee, which is good for two days. There are also exhibits in the two side buildings. On the day we visited, there was an outdoor photography display of scenes relevant to the story of the war.

There are plenty of places to picnic and park in the nearby park. Inside the facility is a cafeteria and gift shop.

There are plenty of places to sit and rest throughout the museum.

During our visit, all staff were friendly and helpful.

Restrooms are in several locations.

See the museum website for more details.

See More of My World War I Travels

Guide to World War I in France

Guide to World War I in Belgium

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Truman Library and Museum Independence Missouri

The Truman presidency was marked by several major world changing events. A visit to the Truman Presidential Library in Independence Missouri offers an opportunity to view the rise of this uncommon "common" man from a small town to leader of the most powerful nation of the mid-twentieth century.

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) was born 8 May, 1884 in Missouri. He was vice president under Franklin Delano Roosevelt and became the 33rd US president when Roosevelt died after less than three months into his last term.

After growing up on the family farm in Independence Missouri, he worked at several jobs before serving in WWI at age 33. He returned to marry Elizabeth Wallace in 1919. They had one daughter, Margaret.

After entering local politics, he became a U S Senator, the vice president and president. He ran for office and famously defeated the expected winner, Republican John Dewey.

The Library and Museum contains a number of papers and artifacts providing the backdrop to his career and the major events that marked his presidency. He will perhaps be best known for his much examined decision to drop the first and second atomic bombs, linked to the ending of the war against Japan in 1945.

President Truman's Famous Desk Sign
The Buck Stops Here

Some thoughts and notes on visiting

The introductory film is somewhat interesting and set in a large comfortable theater; however, it was very blurry, which may be due to the need to focus so check before sitting down.

The museum includes many storyboards, which include newspaper headlines and some artifacts. Scheduling your visit could depend on how much time you wish to spend reading. If you have read a biography and know the major events of US and world history during the Roosevelt and Truman years then, there will not be a lot of additional information in the major narrative.

The lighting in some parts is too low to read some displays.

Parking was not a problem when we visited in June, 2017.

The facility and the restrooms were clean.

There is an entry fee, which is good for two days. For us, a half-day was enough.

See the website for more details. https://www.trumanlibrary.org/

Nathanael Greene Park Springfield Missouri USA

Lake at Nathanael Greene Park Geoff W Sutton 2017

Nathanael Greene Park located at 2400 South Scenic in Springfield MO (65807) is more than a place to enjoy a picnic in a pleasant setting. In addition to the usual park things like trails, picnic areas, play areas, and a small lake, this park has other attractions.

There are many gardens with a special focus such as dwarf conifers, roses, and an English garden.
















Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is a traditional Japanese Garden present since 1986. There is a fee so check the web site for details.













A Butterfly House is open on a seasonal basis- see the website for details.

Local life in the mid 1800s can be examined at the Gray-Campbell Farmstead. There's a cabin, barn, kitchen, granery, outhouse and school.




Trails circle the Lake and connect to the area Greenway Trail. On the trail outside the park is a marker for the Trail of Tears route.

Facilities: There are restrooms and a shop and classrooms in the Botanical Center.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: No cost for the general park area but there are costs for some activities.
Website: http://www.parkboard.org/274/Springfield-Botanical-Gardens
Parking: I have always found a place to park even on busy event days.
Garden Map: http://www.parkboard.org/DocumentCenter/View/1482
Arboretum Map:  https://springfieldparksmo.mytreekeeper.com/

TOY MUSEUM BRANSON MISSOURI USA

The Toy Museum in Branson Missouri claimed it's the world's largest toy museum so we took a look.

In 2017, they advertised having over 1 Million toys. Considering their display cases from floor to ceiling, that seems believable. If you enjoy looking at toys from several decades past, you'll probably enjoy the visit. We are glad we went.

As you might guess, most toys are American but I did find a few British items reminding me of my childhood soldiers.

I'm not sure if the collection favors traditional toys for boys more than girls. There were many dolls from several decades and doll houses too. Even Alf shared his display. And my wife found a Dale Evans lunch box and thermos like the one she took to school.

I expected to see trains but the collection is small. An interesting diorama shows an attic scene.

One of the unique collections is a room full of Draughts aka checkers. There's a few tables where you can sit and play a game.





Tips and Notes

Cost: It is not cheap. We paid $18.92 each, which includes 11.6% tax. Look for discounts at visitor's centers.  Online ticket link.

It is family friendly. There are several areas where children can build things and draw.

Photography: Photography is permitted. The lighting and glass cases make it difficult to get some clear shots even without flash.

The Gift Shop has affordable toys and did not seem overpriced to us. We picked up some items for our grandchildren.

Parking- there seemed to be ample parking but we were there before the heavy season.

Location- It is on the busy route 76 near 376. Directions.

Restrooms- they appeared clean and well-stocked.

Religiosity- The collections include a wide range of toys that do not overtly link to any religion. Like many places in Branson, there are references to Christianity- in this case some Christian-themed toys, games, and signs.

Staff- all we met were friendly.

Website- There's a great introduction to the collection on the website, which may be worth a visit before you go.

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Silver Dollar City Branson Missouri

Massive skillet at Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City (SDC) is an 1800s themed amusement park in Branson, Missouri USA. My wife and I have visited the attraction many times since 1972.

You will find the most recent schedule of rides, shows, and other attractions on their website. Despite it's old-time theme, SDC stays current by adding new rides--including some serious coasters. You can also download the SDC app for current showtimes and waiting times on rides.

Here's a brief look at The Outlaw Run coaster- I took this after my ride 27 November 2016.

A new and exciting ride is Time Traveler, which I rode several times since this video from 9 October 2018.

The shows vary with the season so if you frequent the area, you will profit from a season pass to see different shows. On a one time visit, I'd recommend Christmas- the lights are spectacular and the productions of It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol are well done.

SDC is clearly a family-friendly place. There are separate areas for children's rides and activities. Also, many shows are either child-friendly or designed specifically with children in mind.



One unique attraction for an amusement park is a guided tour underground through Marvel Cave. This is an old photo (1980) but tours still go on.




In keeping with the 1800s theme you will find a candy maker (free samples), glass blower, blacksmith, carpenter, and many more.

Here's a video of an old lathe.

At Christmas time there are two special program events that draw a big crowd near the Christmas tree. The tree lights pulse to Christmas tunes at 5:00 pm for a fifteen minute show and nearby you will see a parade (weather permitting) at 6:00 pm. These events are repeated later. We recently went on a Sunday and the park hours were 1:00 to 9:00 pm. Check online for daily openings and hours.

Here's a video clip showing part of the "tree" show.

About the park- Ratings where 10 is high.

Coasters 8-9; The best are: Outlaw Run a "woodie" (68 mpr) and Wildfire (66 mph), Powder Keg (64 mph)
Food = 6-7- smells great and many items taste good for theme park fare
Food and Drink Prices = 5 - Expensive for the area
Restrooms 8- clean, well-stocked
Shows-hard to rate because they vary in quality, length, and each person has a different taste. Some are worth a 9-10 rating for sure e.g., It's a Wonderful Life.

Nearby Attractions: Many shows and additional activities in Branson Missouri. www.branson.com
Website = http://www.silverdollarcity.com
SDC App =  http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/Guest-Services/Mobile-App

Tips

Lines can be very long on weekends and holidays so choose alternate days if you can.
If you go often, you can purchase a drink mug and save money on refills.
You can bring your own food and drinks into the park. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. Tip- No glass containers or alcohol.
Parking is free as are shuttle rides to the main entrance. There is a fee to park near the entrance.
Changing and nursing stations are available.
Strollers can be rented onsite.
You can enter early for breakfast at 8:30 on open days.

St Louis Art Museum

St Louis Art Museum Photo Geoff W Sutton 8 July 2016

The St Louis Art Museum is worth a visit if you have even a few extra hours in St Louis. It is conveniently located in Forest Park nearby other places of interest. I would rate this 9 of 10 stars for a pleasant, educational, affordable art Museum experience.

 Admission is free. Check for the most recent hours. Recently, hours were limited to 10-5 most days, later on Friday and closed Mondays. Parking is free in some lots and at a cost in the garage.

The collection includes more than 30,000 works. You can see a few thousand online (www.slam.org).

There are works and activities of interest for children on up. The Museum shops contain some inexpensive , some unique, and of course some expensive items. As with most places I found the cost of dining rather expensive compared to what is available in the community. But you can take a lunch. There are plenty of picnic tables outside.

The museum hosts special events and you can arrange group tours. As with most places, check online for the latest information.

You will find a diverse collection of objects from many parts of the world as well as local works.

The collection includes examples of art spanning thousands of years.

Bull's Head 2600-2450 BCE, Sumerian Photo by Geoff W. Sutton

Acts of  Nebuchadnezzar II, 604-562 BCE

Roman cremation urn c 1st-2nd Century

English, View in Suffolk, Gainsborough, c1755

European Paintings & Sculpture

Italian, Interior St Peter's, Panini, 1731

French, St. John the Baptist, Rodin, 1878

There are several dioramas including rooms in Early American homes, 

which include furniture, fabrics and paintings.

Native American





The African collection includes objects from various parts of the continent.

Birthing Couple, Mali

My ratings 1-10 and 10 is the best.

Overall = 9
Parking = 8 (free nearby; $$ onsite)
Admission fee = 10 (free!)
Appearance =  9
Grounds = 7 (nice, not exceptional)
Friendliness of staff = 9
Cleanliness of toilets = 9
Cost of dining = 7

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