World War I Museum spring event schedule

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., has announced its Spring 2012 schedule of events. Highlights include:

Eighth Annual Military Collectors Fair (Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Area private collectors of rare military artifacts from conflicts that span the ages share their treasures with the general public. Dozens of displays will be located in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby during this once-a-year event. No buying, selling or trading of artifacts is permitted. This event is included with admission to the museum, and is and free for members. Co-sponsored by the Kansas City Military Collectors Club.

Day in the Life: Soldier’s Burden – What He Carried (Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Living History volunteers will be on site to bring life to World War I artifacts and topics that inspire thought, dialogue and learning. This event is included with regular admission to the museum, and is free for members.

Military Spouse’s Weekend (May 4 – 6)

The museum honors the military with free admission for active-duty military personnel and their spouses throughout the weekend. Must show official identification.

Museum open and free to public (Monday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

The museum will be open and free to the public, thanks to the generosity of Waddell & Reed in commemoration of the Kansas City company’s 75th anniversary.

Memorial Day Ceremony (Monday, May 28, 9:30 a.m.)

Located on the south side of the museum, the Memorial Day ceremony begins with a color guard parade and includes performances by the American Legion Band, a keynote address and other speeches to pay tribute to the day’s significance. The museum will open immediately following the ceremony (approximately 11 a.m.).

For a complete schedule, click here. The American Legion supports the Liberty Memorial as the National World War I Memorial and Museum per Resolution 15, passed at the Fall Meetings in 2010. The museum was designated by Congress as the United States’ official World War I museum in 2004, and opened to the public within the Liberty Memorial (which was first dedicated in 1921) in 2006.