National World War I Museum announces fall programming

The National World War I Museum and Memorial has announced its line-up of fall activities beginning Oct. 17. The museum holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest-public museum dedicated to preserving the object, history and personal experiences of the Great War.

Things kick off Saturday, Oct. 17 with Living the Great War from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. It features the Living History Volunteer Corps and vehicles from the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Guests are invited to view a variety of collections that bring them closer to the history of the Great War. It’s also free.

Local music takes center stage Oct. 18 at the Sound of Kansas City on the Southeast lawn of the Memorial. Fermata KC will host a day full of some of the best local acts Kansas City has to offer. Spaces for this socially-distant concert hold up to four attendees. Food trucks will be available for food and drink. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Inside the Museum, the newest exhibition, Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI, highlights the surprisingly important role of women’s fashion during WWI, especially in France. During a time of global upheaval, women were taking on new responsibilities and roles, and fashion adapted to the necessities of these new actions, scarcity of materials and ever-present societal needs. Entry to the exhibition is $10 or an additional $3 when paired with a general admission ticket. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Museum and Memorial is also hosting Fashioning Gender in Wartime France. The free Zoom presentation at noon on Monday, Oct. 19 features Dr. Maude Bass-Krueger and Dr. Sophie Kurkdjian, curators of the exhibition French Fashion, Women and the First World War, for a conversation that examines the relationship amongst French fashion, war and gender in WWI-era France and the legacy of that period today.

The Museum welcomes homeschoolers for Homeschool Week in the Crown Center District. From Oct. 13-16, homeschoolers will be offered a discounted rate of $5 per ticket and a free Family Guide. Families are invited to take advantage of Homeschool Week deals from all of various Crown Center partners.

October National WWI Museum and Memorial events

• Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.: WWI and the Birth of Communist China (virtual event)
• Tuesday-Friday, Oct. 13-16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Homeschool Week in the Crown Center District
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m.: Economics and WWI (webinar)
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.: Empire, Race and Black Military Workers Abroad (virtual event)
• Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Living the Great War
• Sunday, Oct. 18, noon-10 p.m.: The Sound of Kansas City
• Monday, Oct. 19, noon: Fashioning Gender in Wartime France (webinar)
• Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.: Causes of WWI (webinar)
• Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: WW1USA Amateur Radio

 –Metro Voice