The Freedom Plane National Tour and Liberty Tower

Did you know Kansas City, Missouri is home to the only national museum completely dedicated to World War I? I’m ashamed to admit in the 30 years I’ve lived here, I have only admired it from afar. However, a traveling exhibit of historic U.S. documents has landed in this location in, and so have I.

Freedom Plane National Tour

This year the United States celebrates 250 years since its founding, so the National Archives and Records Administration curated a traveling exhibit of documents. The documents will reside in Kansas City from March 6-22, 2026. While you have to purchase a ticket to the museum, the Freedom Plane National Tour costs nothing additionally. Just as a side note, Kansas City is the first stop for these documents.

So, what documents can you see? Thanks to the National World War I Museum, I’m able to provide some information:

1. Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1830–Only 50 engraved copies are known to exist. John Quincy Adams commissioned engraver William J. Stone to recreate the Declaration of Independence.
2. Articles of Association—53 delegates signed this document urging all colonists to boycott British goods. This was the first unified act of resistance from the Continental Congress.
3. Oaths of Allegiance—All officers of the Continental Army signed these. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr’s documents made the collection.
4. Treaty of Paris, 1783—John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay signed this document that recognized the United States as a sovereign nation.
5. Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, 1787—This copy has handwritten notes made during the Constitutional Convention.
6. Tally of Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787–This document shows the voting record of the Constitutional Convention.
7. Senate Markup of the Bill of Rights, 1789–After the Constitution was ratified, James Madison proposed additional protections for individual liberties.

The line to get in took over two hours. However, the view of downtown while I waited created a beautiful backdrop. Additionally, people watching helped pass the time. A word of warning—bundle up if the weather feels cold—most waiting is outdoors, and the wind is merciless.

When I was about 25 minutes from going in the door, one of the line control employees gave more exciting news…it’s another 45 minutes once you enter the building. The caveat—warmth. My body definitely said thank you for the warmth!

Now the real answer to the burning question…was it worth the wait? Well, I think it’s pretty amazing to see authentic documents up close. If you love history, then yes. However, if you feel happy looking at better pictures of the items online, then no, don’t wait in lines. Most children who waited seemed unimpressed with the history before them, and if I had kids with me, I’d bypass this stop. As for childless me, I was quite taken by the paintings inside Exhibition Hall, and I reveled in the knowledge I’d soon be close to documents written by some impressively important people from history.

Liberty Memorial Tower

Prior to my arrival at the museum, I purchased an online combo ticket that included the Liberty Tower. Both Exhibition Hall and the Tower sit upon the same plateau, so I toured one then the other. To get to the observation deck on the Tower, you use an elevator then ascend 45 more steps to the scenic overlook.

As a 2006 National Historic Landmark designee and 2014 National Memorial recipient, the tower offers another look into Kansas City’s history.

Kansas City leaders from 1918 formed a Liberty Memorial Association dedicated to building a monument to the men and women who fought in the war. In 1919 and within an astounding 10 days, Kansas City raised $2.5 million (more than $49 million today) to pay for the memorial’s construction. Because of the dedication of the people of Kansas City, in 1926 Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Liberty Memorial in front of more than 150,000 people. Many of the spectators included members of the military who served in the war.

I walked to the entrance, and a man checked my ticket. Then, he directed me to wait for the elevator. After eight people returned from above, eight new guests (me included) ascended to the top.

The steps to the top are a little tight as people ready to leave wait on the same stairs while you try to make your way to the top.

Once you find footing on the observation deck, the 360 degree lookout showcases the city. Visible from the top, you see the KC Wheel, Hallmark, downtown, Crown Center, the U.S. Reserve Bank…and the list goes on. While I might have lingered in warmer weather, I quickly circled the Tower, took some photos, and returned to the plateau.

As we returned, the elevator operator told us to look up, and we could see where we had been.

Later that day, after finishing the tour of the museum (next post), I found my way to the lower level. In this area, a variety of artifacts sat on display, but more information was provided regarding the Tower. I photographed its base as well as these fascinating facts. Enjoy!