Contact: Karis Erwin, National WWI Museum and Memorial, (816) 888-8122, kerwin@theworldwar.org
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial announced a gift of $1 million from Brad
and Libby Bergman to create a dedicated open storage and learning space. When coupled with a new
staircase from the main level, these improvements will allow the Museum and Memorial to showcase
thousands of objects currently in secure storage and provide the opportunity for visitors to see behind
the scenes of museum operations. The initiative supports the Museum and Memorial’s multi-year
strategic plan and provides critical updates that will allow the Museum and Memorial to continue to
grow both its collection and its visitorship.
The new open study and collections area will be named in honor of the Bergman Family. With
approximately 4,000 square feet of storage and a 190-foot ‘coast-line’ of cases, this space will allow the
Museum and Memorial to display objects and artifacts otherwise unavailable to visitors, enable visitors
to see collection staff at work and create additional spaces for small groups and students to learn about
the collection and the enduring impact of World War I.
“The Bergmans have been strong supporters of the Museum and Memorial since our modern Museum
space opened 15 years ago. The opportunity to name this space for the Bergmans is appropriate given
their commitment to our work and the expansion of our collection,” said Dr. Matthew Naylor, President
and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. “As the Museum and Memorial’s collection
continues to grow – and it will, given our targeted collecting initiatives in the coming years – storage
that allows students and visitors to have more access to personal objects that tell remarkable stories is
even more critical to our work.”
"Our family is excited about the museum’s dynamic future," said Brad Bergman. "The National WWI
Museum and Memorial is one of the most culturally significant institutions in the United States, and we
are enthusiastic about this opportunity to help educate our beloved community for years to come."
The Bergman family’s financial support of the Museum and Memorial dates back to 2007. Brad Bergman
was a Museum and Memorial Board of Trustee from 2011 to 2020 and served as the Chair of the
Collections Committee for many years. Bergman was instrumental in fundraising efforts for the “Call to
Duty” campaign that created the Wylie Gallery exhibition space in 2017. In 2019, Brad and Libby
Bergman were Event Co-Chairs for the Museum and Memorial’s annual gala, Night at the Tower.
About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering,
interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The
Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents
in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and
experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through
a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice.
Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in
downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and
learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future
generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.