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A museum that defies expectations

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum taking flight in Atchison, KS

Photo of airplane at Amelia Earhart museum

This twin-engine airplane was developed in the 1930s and is the last of its kind. | Photo via Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

Just like the person it’s about. The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum opens on Friday, April 14 in her home town of Atchison, KS — at 16701 286th Rd.

The museum’s goals

This Amelia Earhart museum combines history with STEM, past with present, and storytelling with interactive fun.

“One of our missions is to get girls and boys to want to be pilots,” museum founder Karen Seaberg said.

But trust us, this museum is just as exciting for adults (or maybe more).

Along with innovative demonstrations of the science and tech behind flying, the museum also memorializes Amelia’s achievements + legacy as an adventurer and a record breaker.

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” — Amelia Earhart, quoted on the museum wall.

The tech

Augmented reality: Live cameras will transform you from a museum visitor to a pilot, mechanic, or two of Amelia’s other careers.
Virtual reality: Think you can fly? Strap into a headset and soar through storms and the night sky. This experience is an additional $5.
Holograms: Glowing depictions of various aircraft illustrate a historic timeline of human flight.
Working engines: Press a button and watch the inner workings of old + new engines.

KC_VR at Amelia Earhart museum — Editor Travis was amazed at how immersive the VR flying felt.
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Photo by KCtoday

The centerpiece

The museum’s centerpiece is “Muriel,” the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E airplane. The craft is identical to the plane Earhart flew on her final flight around the world in 1937 — where she disappeared above the Pacific.

“Amelia picked this plane because it went higher, faster, bigger engines than any plane at the time,” Karen said.

The details

Art Deco design elements are a beautiful nod to the era.
Exhibit interfaces (wooden vs. touchscreen) mirror old vs. new.
A life-sized video reanimation of Amelia Earhart convincingly humanizes this larger-than-life person.

KC_Amelia Earhart museum cockpit — We can’t imagine spending all day in this life-sized, cramped cockpit.
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Photo by KCtoday

How to visit

Hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults. Seniors + veterans are $12, and kids are $8.

Oh, and you can also get there by plane.

Events

Thursday, April 13

Hot Country Nights Reveal Party | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 6 p.m. | PBR Big Sky, KC Live! | Free | See what artists are on the 2023 Hot Country Nights lineup — the first 100 people will receive a complimentary Miller Lite.
Purses for Promise | Thursday, Apr. 13 | 5 p.m. | The Guild, 1621 Locust St., Kansas City, MO | $50-$175 | This silent auction raises funds to benefit the Promise 1000, a home visit collaborative that connects low income families to local resources.

Friday, April 14

JC Currais | Friday, Apr. 14-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7 p.m. + 9:30 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City, 1130 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO | $22-$30 | This comedian has made appearances on Conan, Comedy Central, and “Babylon” with Brad Pitt.
Kansas City Mavericks | Friday, Apr. 14-Saturday, Apr. 15 | 7:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena | $12-$55 | Kansas City’s pro hockey team takes on the Cincinnati Cyclones (Saturday is fan appreciation night).

Saturday, April 15

The Annual Wyandotte County Ethnic Festival | Saturday, Apr. 15-Sunday, Apr. 16 | Times vary | KCKCC Technical Education Center Multi-Purpose Room, 6565 State Ave., Kansas City, KS | Free | Enjoy food from around the world, live performances, and multi-cultural art vendors.
Pint Path Spring 2023 | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 12-4 p.m. | Bricks Fitness, 125 E. 10th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | $15-$25 | Come dressed for the Under the Sea theme and sip on local beer.
Blackberry Smoke | Saturday, Apr. 15 | 8 p.m. | KC Live! | $25 | Enjoy live music from Atlanta-based rock band Blackberry Smoke.*

Sunday, April 16

First Annual Feed Their Fight Pickleball Tournament | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Chicken N Pickle, 1761 Burlington St., North Kansas City, MO | $0-$80 | Watch as 24 teams fight to be the tournament champion — plus, enjoy a silent auction and organic bake sale.
Flights of Fancy Mega Kite Festival | Sunday, Apr. 16 | 12-5 p.m. | MCC-Longview, 500 SW Longview Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO | Free | See the world’s largest windsock, flying high at three stories tall and 200 ft long.

Monday, April 17

Monday Night Jam Session: Chris Hazelton | Monday, Apr. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | Blue Room, 1600 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Listen to Chris’ smooth tunes before the stage opens up to local musicians.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Community

South Loop Project leaders shared two designs incorporating community feedback: one would close the Baltimore bridge, and the other would close the Walnut bridge. The most popular feature for people who took the first survey was an event lawn. Vote on your favorite design.

Open

There’s a new Mediterranean kitchen that just opened in Parlor — at 1707 Locust St., KCMO. SIDO’S serves dishes like kababs, gyros, and loaded schwarma with recipes rooted in 100 years of family tradition. Check out the menu.

Biz

Shop Local KC expanded into Crown Center Shops, marking its third location in the metro. The local artist gift shop is known for its fresh flowers and handmade goods, like pottery, candles, and clothing. While you’re at it, you can take a selfie with this one-of-a-kind mural.
Voo Lounge (remember this?) expanded its hours. The cocktail + piano club — at 1214 Baltimore Ave., KCMO — is now open Wednesdays from 6 p.m.-12 a.m. It’s also now open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Civic

The City of Kansas City is hosting a Fair Housing & Equality Summit on Friday, April 21. You can send an email to sign up to take part in discussions, explore resources for tenants + landlords, and take part in civil rights workshops.

Theater

Theatre in the Park’s summer auditions take place this weekend: Saturday, April 15-Sunday, April 16. The Shawnee-based community theater’s schedule includes “Freaky Friday” and “Footloose.” Here’s the audition form so you can land the part. (Shawnee Mission Post)

Sports

The KC Current is in Chicago taking on the Red Stars on Saturday, April 15, so Double Tap KC is hosting an official watch party at 6 p.m. — at 310 Oak St., KCMO. Fans can enjoy drink specials and giveaways. The next home game is Sunday, April 23 against Orlando.

Drink

Baseball fans now have an extra inning to buy a beer. The Royals extended alcohol sales to the eighth inning due to the new pitch clock, which makes games faster. While this may come as good news, you’ll have to hurry since you only have up to 20 seconds between pitches. (FOX4)

Number

$80,000. That’s how much you could make as a dispensary general manager in Missouri, according to cannabis recruiting software. The numbers trend higher here compared to the national average of $68,000. The typical budtender is also up to $19/hour. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Travel

What trip would be worth leaving Kansas City? For City Editor Travis, it’s Norway — to hike and kayak across fjords. Sign up for Going to get notified when flight prices drop so you can book your dream trip and feel great about it. Join for free.

Development

🚊 One down, less than two to go

Where are we after 1 year of KC Streetcar extension construction?

KC_Streetcar mainstreet groundbreaking sign

Can you believe the groundbreaking was a year ago this April? | Photo by KCtoday

It has been a year of traffic cones along Main Street as KC Streetcar construction crews work on the Main Street Extension. After a year of work, here’s a look at the progress so far — plus, the timeline of what’s still to come.

Construction progress

The line: Crews have installed 40% of the rail and 36% of the foundations for the polls + power lines. Workers have also completed two stops, a mobility lane (so cars can go around the streetcar), and pedestrian upgrades.

The warehouse: With a fleet up to 14 streetcars, crews need an expanded warehouse + maintenance yard. Construction is underway to add 3,651 sqft of safe storage.

The next two years

2023 will be a rail-y busy year as crews finish storm sewer work and continue track construction, electrical work, and pedestrian improvements.

Testing will begin in late 2024, with the line ready to ride in 2025.

Learn more and check traffic updates here.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Travis

From the editor

Special thanks to Tiffany Heller for showing me around the NFL Draft construction at Union Station. The stage is going to be huge — way bigger than I even imagined. Take a look for yourself. Are you going?

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