National Archives

KC got a major upgrade with the move of the National Archive to the Union Station complex and downtown. Now visitors to the metro can view exhibits and do research in a central and convenient location. The building houses a full-fledged research center, but also exhibits from the national archives collection. When we visited, there was a room dedicated to the Kansas-Nebraska Act which set the stage for the Civil War. The actual document was sitting in front of you. The National Archives at Union Station is yet another cultural amenity added downtown in the last few years. Although the exhibits aren't blockbusters by any means they are very well done and make you think. Many feature poignant and interesting stories about the region. The location is a bit hidden and faces away from the street, but is worthy of a trip for any history buff for research or recreation.

Hidden treasure in Kansas City. Have had some great exhibits over recent years. Exhibits have slowed in last 12 months. They also have occasional events / speakers. Keep hoping they will get back to core history topics as a few events have been a bit political. But again. A great asset for kc.

Went to see the Holocaust display on propaganda. It was a very good display. It was interactive with text messages. The only bad thing is the cell service was poor and was unable to have the complete interaction. That was the only thing. There was no crowd. Took our time to review. I wish there would has been some reference material to have purchased or collected for teachers. Worth the trip.

Here at the Fred Harvey Exhibit! Learning a lot about the Harvey Girls and the railroad! Free parking and NARA is free to the public!

Very nice exhibits right now on Steamboats of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and the Fred Harvey Company. The also offer a history / genealogy research room. Can't wait to see what the next exhibit will be. Oh and it's all FREE! Can't beat free.