National WWI Museum and Memorial

The website theworldwar.org serves as the official online presence for the National WWI Museum and Memorial located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is a comprehensive resource dedicated to World War I.

Historical Background and Mission

• History: The institution's origins trace back to 1919 with the founding of the Liberty Memorial Association shortly after the war's end. The Liberty Memorial was dedicated in 1921 and opened to the public in 1926. After falling into disrepair and undergoing significant restoration, the site was designated by the U.S. Congress as America's official National WWI Museum in 2004. In 2014, Congress recognized it as the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
• Definition: It is recognized as America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting, and understanding the Great War.
• Goals: The primary goal is to honor the experiences of the WWI generation and to understand the enduring impact of the war on the global community. The institution aims to be a global leader in inspiring thought, dialogue, and learning about the lessons of WWI.

Core Functions and Resources

The website provides a wide array of functions and resources for various audiences:

• Visitor Information: Offers practical details for those planning a physical visit to the Museum and Memorial, including hours, ticket purchases, location, and current health guidelines.
• Exhibition Information: Details current, upcoming, and past exhibitions, including online versions available for remote viewing.
• Online Collections Database: Provides digital access to a vast collection of WWI artifacts, documents, photographs, and objects, allowing users to explore primary source materials.
• Educational Resources: Features extensive materials for educators (lesson plans, primary source sets, professional development opportunities) and students (research tools, homework help, interactive content).
• Events and Programs: Lists upcoming lectures, symposiums, family activities, and other programs, many of which may be accessible online.
• Support Opportunities: Outlines ways for the public to support the museum through donations, membership, volunteering, and shopping in the online store.

Distinctive Features

Several features make the website a unique resource:

• Comprehensive Online Collections: The searchable database provides unparalleled digital access to the museum's extensive holdings related to WWI.
• Interactive WWI Timeline: An engaging tool that allows users to explore the key events of the war chronologically with associated resources.
• Dedicated Learning Resources: Tailored sections for educators and students provide structured access to educational content and tools.
• Online Exhibitions: Offers curated digital exhibitions, allowing users worldwide to experience aspects of the museum's content.

User Advantages

The website offers significant advantages to its users:

• Authoritative Source: As the site for the Congressionally-recognized national museum, it provides credible and well-researched information on WWI.
• Accessibility: Makes WWI history and primary sources accessible to a global audience, regardless of their ability to visit the physical museum.
• Educational Value: Serves as a rich educational hub for teachers, students, researchers, and lifelong learners.
• Engagement: Interactive features like the timeline and online collections enhance user engagement and understanding.

Online Community and Social Media

The National WWI Museum and Memorial maintains an active presence on several social media platforms:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheWWImuseum
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NationalWWIMuseum
• Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theworldwar/

Institutional Context

The website directly represents the National WWI Museum and Memorial. This institution holds a unique status, having been designated by the United States Congress as the official museum and memorial for WWI in the U.S. While operating as a non-profit organization, this designation signifies its national importance and connection to the nation's commitment to remembering the Great War.

Summary

theworldwar.org is the comprehensive and authoritative online portal for the National WWI Museum and Memorial. It effectively translates the institution's mission into the digital realm, offering extensive resources for research, education, and exploration related to World War I. Through its vast online collections, educational materials, interactive features, and information about the physical site, the website serves as a critical resource for anyone seeking to understand the Great War and its lasting legacy.