Winter 2019

Union Station Kansas City

EXPLORE . EXPERIENCE . CREATE

Bringing the

Legend to Life

Presented by The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

WHERE HOLIDAY

MAGIC

COMES TO LIFE. CommunityAmerica is proud to sponsor Union Stationâ€™s festivities as we celebrate the holiday season in KC. Happy holidays to all, and to all a good time!

CONTENTS Winter 2019 ON TRACK CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Michael Tritt

Welcome Letter

Home Again for You and Your Family

Plan Your Union Station Holiday Season

MARKETING MANAGER

A Full Season of Holiday Festivities

Lauren Hypse Kovarna ON TRACK PROJECT MANAGER

Margaret Hoang ON TRACK DESIGNER

Abby Rufkahr

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre Fills the Movie Season

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Genghis Khan: Bringing the Legend to Life

Dalton Liu

Blockbuster Exhibition Receives STELLAR Reviews

Proud to be a

Smithsonian

All New in Science City

A Year of Grand Openings, New Beginnings and More

Affiliate

16 Internationally Awarded

To subscribe: ON TRACK subscription is a benefit of Union Station Membership. For more details, visit UnionStation.org/Membership.

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To Contribute: To submit story ideas, please contact us at OnTrack@UnionStation.org.

FOLLOW UNION STATION:

When We Dare to Dream Big Science City Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Growing Younger

New Children's Museum Opening Spring 2020

Massive Commitment to Maintaining Our History

Make Year End Gift to Preserve Union Station

Harvey's Whistle Stop Cafe

New Grab-and-Go Dining Option

24 ON TRACK IS AVAILABLE ONLINE: UnionStation.org/OnTrack

Top Five Reasons to Become A Union Station Member Voted "Best of KC," and that's just the Beginning

The information contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only. Union Station Kansas City, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information.

Mission Statement Union Station Kansas City is dedicated to preserving its historic monument and its stories, inspiring lifelong learning and creating lasting memories for our community. UnionStation.org

Home Again Week after week and month upon month, we hurry from one

place to the next. Too many names and faces to recall. We’re all so busy. And yet, the yearn for the familiar, a place that feels like a friend, never fades. So, we go home . . . again, especially for the holidays. And when we turn our collars to the wind and head there, that destination is often embodied in more than one physical place. In fact, for nearly 300,000 people this holiday season and over 2 million annually, Union Station – Kansas City’s historic home – is included in “going home,” delivering a powerful and poignant embrace of nostalgia, celebration and easy peace. For that and for you, we are forever grateful. We’re also grateful for the fantastic year we’re wrapping up as well as the exciting year ahead. So much new, combined with the refreshed familiar that keeps people of every age returning again and again for the very best family-friendly happenings anywhere. Reflecting on 2019, the highlights are many and include . . . • A totally reimagined and refreshed Model Train Gallery – now featuring a stunning entrance hall, new train layouts, historic Union Station images and artifacts from the golden age of rail travel. • A completely new Nature Works inside Science City, featuring fascinating animals organized and presented in brilliant new displays, along with a state-of-the-art demo desk for daily in-depth presentations. • New flat roof on our massive historic structure, new sidewalks, enhanced security and continual preservation of our historic home. • The opening of the PNC Learning Lab, a state-of-the-art classroom dedicated to early childhood programming and professional development. • And a grand 20th Anniversary Reunion event to celebrate the opening of our internationally-awarded Science City.

And that only scratches the surface . . . Looking into 2020, one of our biggest dreams will become reality with the planned March opening of our $8.2 million Children’s Museum inside Science City. Focused on your youngest learners, this will transform the landscape of Kansas City as it relates to a leading-edge place for families with children from 0 to 7-year-olds, their educators and caregivers. Details of this ambitious project are included on page 19 of this magazine and there’s still time to participate financially with your support before year-end! Hard, smart work. Strong partnerships. Visionary leadership by our Board of Directors. And the priceless value of Union Station Members. That’s what keeps us in the lead and looking forward to what’s around the corner. Now, if you’re already a Union Station Member, thank you so much. Consider giving a Membership to another family member or friend. If you’re not yet a Member, now is THE PERFECT time to activate your year-round and robust benefits. (We weren’t voted “Best of KC” for our good looks alone. J) Finally, as you and your family head home this holiday season and year-round, make Union Station one of your stops. We will welcome you, embrace you and inspire you as few other places can. From the moment you step through our historic brass doors, you will most certainly know you are home . . . again.

Ramón Murguía Board Chairman

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

ABOVE: Courtesy: Photo by Kent Auf Der Heide

George Guastello President & CEO

Special Exhibition

Mr. and Mrs. John Kornitzer Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Smith

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November 15th - 21st: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 22nd - 27th: $3 Holiday Classic Move: Elf 24th: Holiday Dance Showcase 28th: All Union Station attractions including Science City closed for Thanksgiving

Where the M

29th - 5th: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) 30th - Dec 1st: Strawberry Swing’s “Holiday Swing” Indie Craft Fair. Purchase gifts from local crafters and makers. Food trucks and cash bar available.

KC’s Largest Indoor Holiday Tree

Mini Holiday Express Train Schedule Members ride FREE! Non-Members $5 Please note, from 1:30 pm - 2 pm, the train closes for charging. *Schedule is subject to change. Check UnionStation.org/Holidays for the latest details.

at Unio

Celebrate the magic of the ho winning fun and nostalgia at dream, explore, make, sing a events that are part of Kans

Nov 23: Free for ALL riders, 7 – 9 pm Nov 24 – Nov 26: 10 am - 5 pm Nov 27: 10 am - 4 pm Nov 28: CLOSED Nov 29 – Dec 3: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 4: 1 - 5 pm Dec 5 & 6: 10 am - 4 pm Dec 7: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 8: 10 am - 4 pm Dec 9: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 10: 10 am - 4 pm Dec 11 – 13: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 14: 10 am - 4 pm Dec 15 – 17: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 18 – 20: 10 am - 7:30 pm Dec 21: 10 am - 8 pm Dec 22: 10 am - 7:30 pm Dec 23: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 24: 10 am - 1 pm Dec 25: CLOSED Dec 26 & 27: 10 am - 5 pm Dec 28: 10 am - 4:30 pm Dec 29 – 31: 10 am - 5 pm

Noon Year’s Eve

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

HOLID

December 6th - 18th: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: Polar Express – PJ Party 12th - 13th and 15th - 17th: Piano Recital 14th: Merry Science Day in Science City. Members enjoy for FREE.

Trombone Christmas Concert

Magic Begins…

DAYS

on Station

olidays with a full season of awardyour historic Union Station. Laugh, and MORE at these one-of-a-kind sas City’s holiday family tradition.

18th - 22nd: Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train Back for its 19th year, the train rolls in with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves. Members make reservations first! 18th: 2 pm - 7:30 pm 19th: 11 am - 6 pm 20th: 11 am - 5 pm and 6 pm - 8 pm for Union Station Members 21st: 10 am - 7:30 pm 22nd: 10 am - 7:30 pm 19th - Jan 16th: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Enjoy the 12:30 pm showing for only $5. Plus Members get an 85 oz popcorn for $1. 21st: Trombone Christmas Concert & Snow Globes Performance – Guest Favorites Nov 23rd - Jan 4th: New and Returning Favorites! Laser Holiday Magic, Laser Nutcracker and Laser Oz in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium

Presented By

Nov 23rd - Dec 28th: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Presented by Theatre for Young America 25th: All Union Station attractions excluding Regnier Extreme Screen closed for Christmas 31st: Noon Year’s Eve at Science City End 2019 with STEAM fun, 3000+ balloons and more at this 7th Annual event from Noon - 7 pm. Don’t miss out on 3 huge balloon drops at 6 pm! New Year’s Swingin’ Eve with Dave Stephens & the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra 7 Ring in 2020 in a venue like no other! Festivities will kick off at 8 pm in Grand Plaza. Buy your ticket today. This party will sell out!

New Year’s Swingin’ Eve

For complete details and full line-up, visit UnionStation.org/Holidays.

UnionStation.org

The Biggest Movie on the Biggest Screen:

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Opens at Union Station – December 19 The final movie in the 42-year Skywalker saga is coming to

Union Station’s Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker debuts on December 19, 2019. The most anticipated movie of the season is already creating a huge buzz . . . and it’s coming to the region’s largest movie screen – 53 feet tall and 80 feet wide. Other features of the Extreme Screen include three 9-foot tall JBL booming stage speakers behind the screen, two 4K digital DCI-compliant Barco projectors, two lenses with 6.6K lamps and seating for 400 people. “If you are going to see an epic film like this, you need an epic setting in which to experience it,” Nale Uhl, Union Station Vice President of Finance, says. “Bring the entire family, sit back and relax as major battles between good and the bad unfold before your eyes on the region’s biggest screen.”

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Are you a Star Wars superfan? Come dressed as a Jedi and board the Millennium Falcon as you travel from your friendly Union Station neighborhood to a galaxy far, far away. Tickets start as low as $5 for each 12:30 pm showing. Visit unionstation.org for full schedule and showtimes. EXPECTED TO SELL OUT, purchase your tickets today for this must-see, epic experience at the Regnier Extreme Screen Theater. Visit UnionStation.org for information and reservations. Plus, Union Station Members receive an 85 oz popcorn for only $1. ■

Your Family Favorites are Back!

Now Showing for only $3 Nov 15 - 21: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Nov 22 - 27: Elf Nov 29 - Dec 5: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Dec 6 - 18: Polar Express – PJ Party At only $3/ticket, these family favorites sell out every year. So don’t wait, buy your tickets today either online or in-person at the Box Office. Visit Unionstation.org for full schedule and showings. ■

Union Station’s Prized Model Train Gallery Completes Major Renovation M

odel Trains have been a part of the Union Station tradition for nearly 20 years. After millions of visitors and millions of scale miles traveled, our Model Train Gallery needed and deserved a major makeover . . . and that’s exactly what has happened. Along with the total reimagination of the massive space came an expansion to include a dedicated history gallery highlighting vintage images of Union Station and an overview of railroading in America. Guests within the history gallery are able to view through a stunningly recreated Union Station south façade (featuring our three iconic arched windows) and into the main model train layouts. Initial public reaction and appreciation have been overwhelming. With more trains, vintage railroad artifacts, motion graphic projections and history elements, dwell time has grown and interaction with volunteers is substantial. (In total, 45 volunteers provided over 7,600 hours to this magical model train experience in 2018 alone.) As is widely acknowledged, model railroading invites fans of every age to involve themselves in electronics, computers, puzzles, artistry and extreme detail. The hobby teaches so much and brings people from every walk of life together. At Union Station, we run all six train scales and focus on intricate and engaging visual experiences, including a complete Union Station yards recreation. There will always be something new to see when visiting the model railroad gallery. That’s the beauty in this hobby. There’s always one more building, one more crossing, one more mountainside and tree to plant. It’s a hobby and past-time as big as your imagination . . . and it wouldn’t be possible at Union Station without a fascinated public, dedicated volunteers and generous donors. Opportunities to support our Model Train Gallery range from gifts-in-kind to full gallery naming rights. If supporting this timeless hobby and iconic Union Station location is important to you, please contact Alex Long at along@unionstation.org. ■

Union Station is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and donations are fully tax-deductible. UnionStation.org

i c "A E x Tr pe uly rie nc e" Ep Presented by

“A leader can never be happy until his people are happy.” – Genghis Khan The biographies of history’s most revered and feared military

leaders often reveal complex human beings - individuals such as Alexander the Great, Napoleon and Julius Caesar. None, however, is more riveting, polarizing and misunderstood than that of the founder of the great Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan was, indeed, a savage conqueror; a ruthless military leader in the 13th century. History describes him as a barbarian who led upwards of 120,000 nomadic soldiers on a campaign that would ultimately establish an empire that encompassed 12 million contiguous square miles throughout Asia and eastern Europe. Through destruction and intimidation, Genghis Khan ruled the majority of the known world at that time. At the same time, Genghis Khan united many nomadic tribes, ultimately ruling over one million people in relative peace. He established a government based on meritocracy – granting positions

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

of power based on merit, not blood, obligation or class. Unlike other leaders of the time, he forbade the sale of women and instead granted them unprecedented freedom and power. He created one of the first international postal systems, popularized paper money, and even created a written language for his subjects. Under his rule, he forbade theft of property and fighting. He advocated for literacy, religious freedom, and trade. And he successfully brought technology, language, and goods farther west than ever before. For these reasons and more, Genghis Khan was and is revered by the people of Mongolia as an innovator and national hero. So, who was the real Genghis Khan? Villain or hero or both? Now is the time to discover for yourself the truth about the world’s greatest conqueror by exploring the culture, conquests and heritage at the latest world-class Union Station exhibition: Genghis Khan – Bringing the Legend to Life.

Supported by:

“On the grand scale of our wildly popular King Tut, Pompeii and Titanic exhibitions, Union Station invites visitors to take an epic journey back in time with one of history’s most enduring and controversial figures – Genghis Khan,” Union Station president and CEO, George Guastello, said. “Through brilliant original artifacts, live performers, stunning artwork, immersive surround elements and other historically significant items, guests of every age will discover the nearly-impossible true story of the world’s most prolific conqueror, civilizer and innovator.” Starting early in Genghis Khan’s life, great hardships were all too common. His father was murdered and his mother subsequently

banished to raise her seven children as nomads on the brutal terrain of the Mongolian Steppe. In his 20’s, he was abducted and enslaved by rival clans, yet was able to escape through his own cunning. Perhaps that is where he developed his strong sense of spirituality – Khan was known to pray in his tent for multiple days before important campaigns and as a leader, passed laws declaring religious freedom for all, even granting tax exemptions to places of worship. His life was one of survival. There is no doubt that the survival instinct he developed played a large part in establishing him both as a formidable warrior, and leader. UnionStation.org

“Visitors will experience life in 13th century Mongolia, entering the tents, battlegrounds and marketplaces of a vanished world,” Guastello, said. “Genghis Khan’s story – and those of his sons and grandsons during the formation, peak and decline of the Mongol Empire – is brought to life in this unforgettable and culturally important journey.” With more than 200 spectacular objects and priceless artifacts, this is the largest exhibition collection from Genghis Khan’s Empire to ever tour. It showcases weapons of warfare such as a formidable array of swords, bows, arrows, saddles and armor as well as the relics of a rich culture such as costumes, jewels, ornaments and musical instruments. However, the exhibition is much more than a brilliant collection of artifacts; it’s an immersive experience.

“Union Station does not simply present exhibitions that are to be viewed; they are to be experienced,” Jerry Baber, executive vice president and COO, Union Station, said. “The goal is to educate and enhance our collective knowledge about the world around us - past, present and future. The best way to do that is through an immersive experience and that is what this exhibition does so well. In fact, that is the basis for Union Station’s stellar reputation on the world stage and it’s been proven again and again with our Members and guests.” At the beginning of the journey, exhibition visitors will receive the identity of a Mongolian resident. Whether a warrior, spy or princess, visitors will follow their life throughout the rise of the great Mongol Empire across six key scenes and six unique galleries: THE GRASSLANDS Discover the daily life of a nomad on the high plateaus of Central Asia and learn about the outcast Genghis Khan’s earliest struggles. Walk into an ancient Mongol ger (yurt) home. Stand in the midst of a herd of stampeding horses. RISE OF THE MONGOLS Learn how the young, charismatic Genghis Khan united warring tribes in order to form an unrivaled cavalry. Explore the equestrian culture and innovations in weaponry Genghis Khan mastered to conquer four times more land than any Empire in history. THE WALLED CITY Enter the recreation of Karakorum, the walled city, which became the capital of the Mongolian Empire after Genghis Khan’s son inherited the kingdom. See how life changed for Mongols once they had vanquished all of their enemies, and arts and diverse religions and cultures flourished as the need for war subsided.

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

THE SILK ROAD While Genghis Khan was a ruthless warrior, he was also a savvy statesman and benevolent ruler. He developed a written language and a sophisticated society with fair taxation, stable government, appreciation of the arts, religious freedom and open trade along the Silk Road. Explore this vital trade route which enabled the exchange of both goods and ideas between cultures. THE PALACE OF KUBLAI KHAN Enter the sumptuous Chinese palace of Xanadu, the center of the Empire of Genghis’s grandson, Kublai, who united China for the first time. See porcelain treasures and a sword with the emblem of a guardian of Marco Polo, among many others. MONGOLIA TODAY Trace the influence of Genghis Khan in images of modern Mongolian life. The distinctive horse-based culture of Genghis Khan’s time persists today as the nation and language he created lives on eight centuries after his rule. See how his legend lives on through the namesake of many modern Mongolian brands, and how he is revered as a god among the Mongolian people. Adding to the cultural experience are daily performances by traditional artists from Mongolia. Performances are scheduled at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm daily with an additional 5 pm performance on Saturdays. For additional information on this limited-time engagement, please visit GenghisKhanUSKC.com ■

Hours of Operation Monday thru Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 7pm | Sunday: 10am - 5pm Tickets & Pricing* • Member Price: $12.95 • General Admission Adult: $17.95 | Child: $14.95 • VIP Voucher: $21 (Adds flexibility to visit exhibition any time and reduces box office wait)

• Groups: Adult $10/Child $9 (Available for groups of 10 or more) Private events are available outside normal exhibit hours— usually during evenings (includes rental of Bank of America Gallery). *A $1.25 Preservation Fee is added to the prices shown above and to every touring exhibition ticket to help preserve our historic building.

Grand Opening

Featured Mongolian Ambassador to the U.S.

All

NYeearwof Grand Ope

y t i C e c n e i c S in nings with The Amazing Brain Science City’s Largest and Newest Exhibit Now Open On March 7, 2019, seventeen elementary students from

the CAIR Focus program in the Grandview school district, surrounded by parents, educators and proud fans celebrated the opening of The Amazing Brain, the largest and newest indoor exhibit at Science City. The students participated and were selected as winners of the Battle of the Brain competition, the most popular k - 12 STEM competition. Their winning proposal was brought to life by working alongside Burns & McDonnell and Science City STEM professionals who donated more than 3,800 hours designing, constructing and branding the exhibit. Several months later, the million-dollar exhibit opened just in time for the nearly 30,000 guests who experienced Science City during Spring Break.

Brilliant New Science City Destination is for the Animals . . . Literally!

Totally Reimagined and Endlessly Fascinating Inspiring children and adults alike, Science City’s all new

Nature Works invites guests on a journey through our own backyards and beyond to discover how nature works! Featuring over 30 species of animals from every continent, except Antarctica, Nature Works educates guests about native and non-native animals, as well as animals that have pushed science and technology further — a study that’s also referred to as biomimicry.

Biomimicry is the imitation of nature for the purpose of solving human problems. Common technologies such as velcro, wind turbines, water harvesting, and bullet trains were all designed by studying how nature works. Inside Nature Works, dedicated Science City Educators are ambassadors for the animals, providing not only daily educational programming for our guests, but daily care for each animal. “Scientists and engineers frequently study nature to solve

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

problems,” Becky Plumberg, Science City Educator, said. “Through these studies, we also develop a wonderful respect for the animals and environment that work in harmony to sustain life . . . and that benefits us all in a profound way. It’s been particularly exciting to see our guests step into our new Nature Works and encounter their world in a brand-new way.” Nature Works daily public programming includes: • Animal Encounter: Meet an animal up close • Nature Discovery: Explore a hornet’s nest, look through microscopes at various plant parts, discover how a snake opens its mouth so wide and much more • Animal Chow Down: See demonstrations of different animal species' diets Fascinated by nature and how it works? You will be after your next adventure through Science City’s all-new Nature Works! ■

! e m o C o t e Mor The Amazing Brain is the fifth exhibit from the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains program at Science City. The 2,800-square-foot exhibit explores the body’s command center — where it forms memories, feels emotions, learns new things and so much more. Designed to exercise the 3-pound organ in your head, The Amazing Brain contains 14 unique exhibit pieces, including: • READY, SET, RECALL is a colorful, fast-paced demonstration of your brain calling your memory network into action. Alone or with a group, see how well you can follow a racing pattern of lights and sounds until you make a mistake or win. • BALANCE ME tests the teamwork between your brain and body. How long can you stay on an unsteady platform before you lose your balance? • THE NOSE KNOWS sniffs through a library of different scents and tests how well your brain interprets the smells, from a rose to a skunk. • MINDBALL challenges your ability to relax your way to victory. The billions of neurons in your brain talk to each other through electrical pulses — brain waves that are measured in this exhibit with a technology called EEG (electroencephalography) feedback.

• LIE DETECTOR tests your partner to see if you can fool or will be fooled. But watch out — your brain may release cortisol when you lie, leading to physical reactions like sweating and a rapid heartbeat. “As we head into the Holidays, Science City should be on the “must do” list of families across our community and region,” George Guastello, President and CEO of Union Station, said. “Having been recently voted, ‘Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction’ and ‘Best of KC,’ we’re not only proud of what Science City means to Kansas City, but are especially thrilled to welcome guests to this brand new exhibit during one of our most-visited times of the year. The reality is kids are discovering STEM in a way that is fun and memorable when they visit Science City. That can make a big difference as they progress in their education and the impact even extends into success in their future careers.” ■ Science City powered by Burns & McDonnell is open Tuesday - Sunday with the exception of Mondays on November 25, December 23 and December 30. Admission into the science center is $13.25*/person and Union Station Members visit yearround for free. For a complete list of operating hours and calendar visit ScienceCity.com. *excludes Preservation Fee.

All New Maker Studio Makes for Extreme Hands-On Fun Consider This Your Ultimate Creative Outlet Now Open Needle and thread. Glue and duct tape. Laptops and search

engines. Everyone has their go-to creative kit. But the question is, how does one inspire and spark that initial creativity? Ryan Bell, Science City’s resident Maker Specialist, believes Science City’s new Maker Studio can be that spark for visitors and members of all ages. “The goal is to ensure our guests — no matter their ages — are inspired,” Ryan Bell, Maker Studio Specialist, said. “We want them to discover and practice new skills in our Maker Studio that can be continued at home, at school or anywhere they want to create. Our Maker Studio is often a jumping-off point into what will be a life-long passion for turning ideas into reality. It’s one of the favorite destinations in our science center partly because it is so hands-on and applicable to all kinds of hobby, educational and career pursuits.”

With this new purpose-built space — our 2,500 sq. ft. Maker Studio is divided into six lab areas — fabrication, digital, electronics, fiber, 3D Printing and CNC. With that organizational approach, the Maker Studio can provide four times the number of previously available daily activities (that’s 16 Maker activities!) than was originally possible. Each activity is mapped out by age, so even guests as young as 3 can participate in hands-on learning. Sound fun? Totally! So, make a point to make it to Science City’s Maker Studio and put your curiosity and creativity to work in the most exciting ways. Also remember, Union Station Members enjoy Science City free year-round. ■ UnionStation.org

When We Dare

to Dream

BIG

Science City Celebrates 20th Anniversary by Honoring Monumental Individual Efforts and Forecasting Tremendous New Additions On the evening of October 9, over 200 guests gathered in Science

City to celebrate its 20th Anniversary and to honor the tremendous efforts made – beginning in 1992 – to bring this world-class attraction to life. This inspiring event, presented by PNC Bank, was a gathering of friends, supporters and community leaders who share a passion for creating high-value experiences for our local and regional families, children, educators and caregivers. They invested in a dream that initially took flight 20 years ago, and that dream has since soared to unimaginable heights. Within this celebration, two individuals were recognized as the catalyst for what was known as the Science City Volunteer Council, Georgia Lynch and the late Angela Browne. First organized in 1992 and eventually growing to 500 members strong, their Council invested thousands of hours and hosted more than 22 fundraising events, yielding nearly $1.5 million toward bringing Science City to life. Further, it was announced that both Angela and Georgia will be celebrated within the new children’s museum “Creative Corner” area in a most visible, lasting and hands-on way. Two interactive sand tables – multi-sensory experiences designed to help develop spatial and finemotor skills – will feature the names of Angela and Georgia. That evening, the families of both Georgia and Angela were present to help honor the monumental efforts required to bring our Science City to life and now on the world stage as a model of success.

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

It was, indeed, a celebration to remember. Today, 20 years after Science City first opened her doors, the dream is about to grow even bigger . . . by growing younger. In the Spring of 2020, our new children’s museum areas will open and transform our community once again as our youngest learners engage in exciting, new experiences. Read more about this on page 19. This massive $8.2 million project is nearly fully funded but still requires a final push. Additionally, we’ve just opened several naming opportunities within the new areas that can be used to highlight your company or organization or even honor someone with a passion for enriching and educating children with meaningful and memorable learning opportunities. In order to welcome families and children from all corners and economic abilities within our community, we’ve also established a scholarship fund to open accessibility and let young imaginations blossom. Want to be part of this bold new dream? Please email or call us today for complete details. We’d be delighted to answer questions and even take you on a private tour of the new Science City spaces. Contact Alex Long at along@unionstation.org or call 816-460-2094 to get a conversation started. ■

UnionStation.org

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Growing Younger, Coming Spring 2020 “Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers If you have visited Science City this year, there is no doubt that

you noticed a big change is coming! After thorough and thoughtful planning that included consultation with the renowned Boston Children’s Museum, early childhood learning in Kansas City is about to take a giant leap. Demolition is complete, paving the way for construction on Union Station’s Early Learning Expansion Project. When completed, Science City will boast three new experiential, hands-on dedicated exhibits, totaling 13,000 square ft., specifically designed for children from infancy to age seven. “When completed this spring, we will have nearly quadrupled our square footage and packed into it, a hundred times more content designed for little ones.” to early childhood learning,” LeAnn Smith, Director of STEM Programming & Outreach, said. “These are colorful, rich environments that capture the imaginations of young minds and engage kids in meaningful exploration.” Research has long proven that play is important to healthy brain development. Play allows children to engage in the world around them

which not only increases their curiosity for learning, but also helps boost emotional intelligence and self-esteem through interaction with others. Each space has been very intentionally designed. The rich mixture of textures and colors, along with a variety of everyday objects offer young minds many possibilities and allow them to extend the way they pretend play by giving them different set rules for their use. For example, in Creative Corner, children can use brushes to paint on a large glass wall and, in All Aboard!, they can play chef in the dining car using play food, pots and pans. The spaces encourage play and materials and programming that take play to a whole new educational level. Great thought has also been given to those who accompany the children — parents, grandparents or caregivers. Each exhibit has taken into account their needs with enhanced aesthetics and amenities. To allow free and safe play, each exhibit also has a clearly defined space utilizing either walls or gates. UnionStation.org

LET’S PLAY!

LET’S PLAY! This exhibit was designed specifically for babies, crawlers, toddlers and their parents/caregivers. From infancy to age 4, this unique space is designed for their developmental needs with multiple sensory and roleplaying activities. To encourage longer stays, a number of special amenities have been included in the design. A microwave, snack area, restroom and a nursing mother’s room with a refrigerator all have been incorporated within the space. In addition, several large banks of windows will visually connect the space with the outdoors and offer more natural lighting throughout. CREATIVE CORNER Art meets science in this versatile, multisensory area designed for the entire family! A glass paint wall, sand tables and light tables will engage the senses and stimulate the mind! Visually connected to LET’S PLAY, this space provides open-ended experiences as well as programming led by our Science City Educators. ALL ABOARD! A shiny 1920’s era steam engine and a busy intermodal station are the key elements of this space. The contemporary designs and interactives encourage play, exploration, observation and collaborative problem-solving in the context of transportation. Children will be able to see how a steam engine works and follow the path products take all the way from the farm to the market. They can also serve up lunch in the dining car or learn how to sort letters in the mail car. In the process of renovating this large space, formally the KC Rail Experience, the historic steel and concrete columns were left visible, incorporating them into the exhibit experience. “There are few quality options in Kansas City that offer a safe, engaging and educational environment for children from birth to age seven.” Jeff Rosenblatt, Director of Exhibits & Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, said. “The early learning spaces at Science City will help fill that need.” The $8.2 million initiative has garnered widespread support throughout the Kansas City community, receiving generous funding from the Hall Family Foundation, PNC Foundation, Sunderland Foundation, Edward F. Swinney Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, Marion & Henry Bloch Family Foundation, Ann and Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation, Nerman Family and the Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation. “The next great entrepreneur, the next great business executive, the next great teacher runs into Science City every day as part of a school field trip or family outing,” Jerry Baber, Executive Vice President and COO of Union Station, said. “Our challenge is to stimulate their curiosity for learning and exploring and foster their development. That is what motivates Union Station to push ahead to secure the final $519,000 in funding needed to fully secure this initiative for those future leaders of our community. It’s an investment in their future and ours.”

CREATIVE CORNER

Science City at Union Station

Creative Corner

Kansas City, Missouri

Final Design

Axonometric Views B O S TO N C H I L D R E N ’ S M U S E U M

Date: 24 October 2018

Page: 102

If you, your company or organization are interested in helping close the funding portion of the Union Station’s Early Learning Expansion Project, please contact Alex Long at along@unionstation.org. ■

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

to n r atio o i r P rs t o Re

Be R ea u t st ifu or ll ed y

Massive Commitment to Maintaining Our History Make Union Station Preservation Part of Your Year-End Giving Union Station welcomes nearly two million guests through

our historic brass doors every year. Some, but certainly not all, are aware that in 1985, those doors closed, presumably never to open again. What we know today as Kansas City’s most iconic and beloved landmark, was likely destined for the wrecking ball – the byproduct of decades of neglect. Residents on both sides of the State Line ultimately took on the cause to “Save the Station.” Through private donations and a bi-state tax, an amazing $234 million was raised to restore the building that President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed as the ‘’great gate to the west,’’ to its original grandeur. That monumental task, accomplished through the commitment and generosity of the people of Kansas City, culminated on November 10, 1999, when those beautiful brass doors once again swung open to the public and reestablished Union Station as Kansas City’s gathering place. Since that time, an ongoing and aggressive effort has been in place to ensure history would never repeat itself. Specifically, in 2011, Union Station activated a formal, 25-year, proactive maintenance plan to preserve, maintain and enhance the entire 18-acre campus. This plan is over and above the annual routine maintenance budget of $500,000 covering items such as fire suppression, cleaning and landscaping.

“It is of critical importance to stay ahead of the curve in maintaining the beauty, integrity and longevity of our physical structures,” Jerry Baber, Executive Vice-President and COO of Union Station, said. “In the first four years of the plan, we have completed some of the largest and most visible projects such as the cleaning, repairing and sealing of the historic façade, repairs of the asphalt portion of the roof and, most recently, the substantial sidewalk improvement project.” The nearly $5 million investment to date in these maintenance plan priorities is expected to help retain the building’s structural integrity for the next 20 years. In 2020, the focus will shift to a number of smaller, yet still sizable projects that directly impact the visitor experience such as modernization of the building’s 24 elevators, technology and security upgrades and renovations for restrooms in Grand Hall and Level B.

UnionStation.org

While all of this is a large and ongoing financial commitment, it is imperative to ensure Union Station never falls into disrepair again. With over one million square feet to maintain, it is a monumental effort requiring multiple sources of funding. While the Station’s operational budget and Preservation Fund - that receives $1.25 from each ticket sold to Science City and touring exhibits - provide an ongoing revenue stream, it is not enough to completely fund all maintenance needs. Once again, it is the community, businesses and individual donors, who make the necessary difference. “It is a great honor to serve as caretakers of this historic building,” George Guastello, President and CEO of Union Station, said. “Not only are we charged with preserving it, but also fortifying it for the future. It’s the memories of the past, and the memories yet to be made that we cannot afford to lose. Union Station was saved by the people of Kansas City which is one of the reasons it is held with such deep affection. The people of Kansas City embrace Union Station as their own and with great pride – not only for her rich history but also for the investment they made to rescue her from demise. We, as a community, must continue that investment to ensure her future for generations to come. She’s solid, and if maintained, there’s no reason she won’t be here for another one hundred years. Making a donation today, large or small, is the key to ensuring it.” ■

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

Join with your friends and neighbors in a powerful statement of care and support for Union Station. Every donation dollar makes a real difference. Don’t hesitate to act now for your year-end giving! 1. VISIT UnionStation.org 2. CLICK “Donate” at the bottom of the home page for all the ways to give, as well as a list of current projects needing support. Contact Alex Long via email at along@unionstation.org or call 816-460-2094 to connect directly.

Harvey’s Whistle Stop Café An Instant Hit Inside Union Station

he next time you pack up the family and head to Union Station for a day of fun and exploration, don’t worry about packing snacks — the new Whistle Stop Café has you covered with snacks, and much more! As the name implies, Whistle Stop is built for speed, allowing you to get back to your planned activities with time to spare. Located next to Harvey’s full-service restaurant on the south side of the historic Grand Hall, it’s the perfect place for families, travelers or busy executives on the go to grab a quick, tasty, bite to eat. In addition to a selection of Harvey’s handcrafted sandwiches, soups and salads, the Whistle Stop menu is packed with a wide variety of kid-favorites like hot dogs, Uncrustables® Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, chips and ice cream as well as mom-approved items like fresh fruit and GoGo squeeZ® yogurt, cheese sticks, granola bars and gluten-free pretzels. t n. es tt Towut! o H t in l O ke el c Ti ill S W

“When our guests speak, we listen – especially when they are hungry,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, jokes. “Many of our guests are on-the-go families and busy professionals who may not have time for a more leisurely dining experience at Pierpont’s or Harvey’s. They really needed a convenient, reasonably priced option to either grab-and-go or sit and recharge. Harvey’s developed the Whistle Stop with their needs in mind so the only thing guests leave with a hunger for is their next visit to Union Station. It really has been a great complement to Parisi, Rocky Mountain and Pierpont's.” The Whistle Stop is open seven days a week, Monday-Wednesday 10:30am to 4 pm and Thursday through Sunday 10:30 am to 5 pm. Plus, Union Station Members enjoy a 10% discount on every purchase! ■

A Travel Channel

“Featured National Pick” for New Year’s Eve!

Great coffee is motivational. Inspirational. Timeless. Selecting and roasting it is an art we take seriously. Shop our full line of smooth espressos, single origins and blends at your local grocer, online or at Parisi Café. ONE PRICE INCLUDES: Unlimited Drinks Hot Appetizers • Two Dance Floors • And More!

PARISI COFFEE — IT’S ART FROM THE CUP

RETURNING! Speakeasy Lounge* including Private Unlimited Premium Bar •Black Tie Appetizers • And More! *Additional Fee

Tickets on sale Now at UnionStation.org

PARISICOFFEE.COM UnionStation.org

1 FREE admission into Science City all year-round

Top FIVE Reasons

to Become a Union Station Member Today!

With over 300 hands-on exhibits and daily, educator-led science demonstrations and activities, guests will find epic science fun around every corner. In less than two visits, a family of four will have paid for their membership! With the launch of Science City’s Three New Early Learning exhibits expected to open Spring 2020, there’s no better time but now to prepare for the 2020 year. Read more about the exhibits on page 19.

2 FREE visit to the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium Your first visit to the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium is on us! Explore the stars and the universe with daily shows featuring Big Bird’s Adventure and Sky Station LIVE!, an ever-changing educator-led show that follows the KC night sky. Or, use your free visit during our monthly music laser shows featuring popular artists such as Beyoncé, Prince, Queen and others. After your first free visit, members enjoy a discount of more than 60% on Planetarium tickets.

3 HUGE discounts on Traveling Exhibitions With blockbuster exhibitions such as King Tut, Pompeii, Body Worlds: The Cycle of Life and Mummies of the World, Members always receive the best deals for our traveling exhibitions! Now featuring a 36% discount to Genghis Khan: Bringing the Legend to Life. Discover more about this enriching exhibition on page 10.

4 Holiday Benefits

What are you waiting for? Become a Member today at unionstation.org

FREE Mini Train Rides. PRIORITY Access to Kansas City Southern Holiday Express Train. Only $1 for 85 oz popcorn to Holiday Classic Movies. Need we say more?

5 Exclusive Member-Only Benefits Members receive at least a 10% discount throughout all of Union Station shops and restaurants. Exclusive invitations to events. Discounted rates to Science City Summer Camp, Science City Birthday Party packages. And So. Much. More. And best yet, Union Station Memberships are 100% Tax Deductible! ■

Union Station On Track • Winter 2019

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Union Station On Track â€˘ Winter 2019

Union Station Kansas City

Published on Nov 11, 2019

ON TRACK - Winter 2019

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