ENGINEERING national ww1 museum opening

In 2004, O’Neill managed a successful campaign in which Kansas City voters were asked to approve a bond issue to build the National World War I Museum at the landmark Liberty Memorial. When the highly-acclaimed, Ralph Appelbaum-designed museum opened in late 2006, O’Neill planned and managed several days of celebrations, starting with a high-end, 250-person, invitation-only gala fundraiser for major benefactors and civic players. A quick tear-down took place to transition the space for a grand opening and public opening ceremony the next morning.

The public ceremony featured remarks by local, state, national and international dignitaries. A stage with a special backdrop was created. Military bands played as a pair of WWI-era biplanes flew overhead, dropping thousands of rose petals over the snow-covered grounds. The giant backdrop – showing the piercing eyes of a doughboy – was revealed and a covey of doves took flight as the museum officially opened its doors.