Holiday Edition 2021
Union Station Kansas City
EXPL ORE . EXPERIENCE . CREATE
A Year of Change. A Year that Changed Us. . . PHOTO: Courtesy: Frank Perez
As 2021 comes to a close, all of us at your Union Station are
taking a deep breath and feeling both blessed and humbled by what has happened at Kansas City’s historic home over this past year. Perhaps you are feeling the same. Needless to say, the pace of change in all our lives maintained the same head-spinning speed in 2021 as was established in 2020. In and out of new and evolving health and safety mandates. Exciting new additions to our Science City. Incredibly consequential community investments in Union Station that are allowing us to accelerate needed preservation, restoration and renovation. Some parts of our business came roaring back to life while others continued taking a slow path back to pre-pandemic levels. And so much more. A year of change, indeed. Then, in June, we welcomed an international delegation from Spain and Poland to help officially open Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. And from that moment on, we witnessed an astonishing and emotional response from our community and every corner of the country. Together, we learned the true message of Auschwitz . . . Never Again. And WE were changed . . . for the better and forever. To be honest, we weren’t sure how the tough topic of Auschwitz would be embraced in the midst of so much change in the world around us. The messages of the Holocaust are timeless. That’s true. But timing is always critical to the success of any exhibition. It turns out, however, the moment was perfect. The messages of equity, diversity and inclusion resonated in a stunning way and there seems to be no end to it in sight, evidenced by the huge outpouring of appreciation and engagement on November 12th when we shared news about an unprecedented extension to the tour in Kansas City through March 20, 2022. As of this writing, over 270,000 people have either visited or secured tickets to visit the Auschwitz exhibition. Over 20,000 of those are school-aged kids coming in field trips. Guests from all 50 States and multiple countries have made your Union Station their "must see" destination. These are record-breaking numbers and all the evidence one needs that this year of change has most certainly
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
changed hundreds of thousands of lives in everlasting ways. Love. Kindness. Acceptance. Simple words with powerful implications. The lessons of Auschwitz are, in a profound way, also the essence of the holiday season we’re now fully in. Looking around your Union Station today, there are the wonderful visual and emotional queues of history, connectedness and anticipation. Perhaps no other place in our community do all of these come together as an open-arms invitation to gather and celebrate the simple and priceless lessons of life. Thanks to BOK Financial, we're able to bring back — with big new additions — "Holiday Reflections", a magical walk-thru holiday village for the entire family. Holiday Classic movies are returning to our Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre. Holiday Laser Shows will delight in our Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium. Noon Years Eve will once again be enjoyed by thousands in Science City as the new year is rung in. And a special exhibition of Judaica for Hanukkah sits adjacent to Pierpont's. Restaurants, retail and authentic holiday cheer will be for all to enjoy and memories will once again be made in our historic marble halls. Having endured so much uncertainty is worth celebrating and we invite you to do so again and again at Union Station before the year ends. And to top it off, give yourself or someone you love the enduring value of a Union Station Membership. A year of change. A year that changed us. We are truly thankful for you and value your support now and forever.
Happy Holidays!
George Guastello President & CEO
Ramón Murguía Board Chairman
CONTENTS
Holiday Edition 2021
ON TRACK
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CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
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Michael Tritt
SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER
Lauren Hypse ON TRACK DESIGNER
Abby Rufkahr GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Dalton Liu
Welcome Letter Holiday Reflections
‘Tis the Season! And There’s SO MUCH NEW at Union Station
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Michael Klein Menorah Collection
A Must-See this Season
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Holiday Classic Movies Family-Favorites Return to the BIG Screen
UNION STATION KANSAS CITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ramón Murguía, Chairman Ray Kowalik, Vice Chairman Peggy J. Dunn, Treasurer Charles Sosland, Secretary Erin Stucky Dr. Kimberly Beatty Dr. Thomas Sack Dr. Mauli Agrawal Robert D. Regnier Dan Lowe Michael R. Haverty Jon Cook Michael J. Brown Bucky Brooks Mayor Quinton Lucas, Ex-Officio Proud to be a
Smithsonian Affiliate
ON TRACK IS AVAILABLE ONLINE: UnionStation.org/OnTrack
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Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium: Holiday Fun For All Ages Live Performance: The Elves and the Shoemaker
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Historic Jones Store Train Creating Memories Since 1970
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A Commitment to The Past, A Gift to Our Future Make Union Station Part of Your Year-End Giving
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Holiday Happenings: Festivities Calendar
Favorite traditions return along with new and exciting events!
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$5 Million Transformational Gift from Sunderland Foundation
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Unsung Heroes of Union Station
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.
COVER: Courtesy: Roy Inman Photographs©
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’Tis the Season!
And There’s SO MUCH NEW At Union Station For The Holidays
When the Easter bunny shows up in April, it’s a sure sign spring
is just around the corner. It’s also the time of year when our Union Station dream team begins planning and reimagining our spectacular array of festive holiday displays and decorations. ’Tis true! For more than a century, Union Station “has been Kansas City’s home for the holidays and this year will be no different,” says George Guastello, president and CEO. As always, guests can expect plenty of festive family-friendly traditions, but this year there are plenty of magical, new offerings. Let’s take a look! “MILES OF GARLAND AND TWINKLING LIGHTS” Just last year, Union Station unveiled our epic, indoor, walkthrough “Holiday Reflections” experience. The inaugural event was such a huge hit with visitors that we’re expanding the exhibit with even more spectacular sights, sounds and selfie photo-ops in 2021. Located inside our massive 27,000 square foot Grand Plaza, the festivities kick off the day after Thanksgiving on November 26. Along with Kansas City’s largest, exquisitely decorated holiday tree (measuring a whopping 40-feet tall!), “Holiday Reflections” — presented by BOK Financial — will also feature a sky-high light display, giant forest friends and eye-popping, floating mirrored ornaments along with the biggest holiday model train layout in the Midwest. (More on that in a minute.)
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
In case you were wondering, it takes a literal army of wildly talented people to decorate Union Station’s massive halls. The unpacking process starts in early October. There are thousands of lights to check and hundreds of custom pieces to inspect and install. It all comes together the week before Thanksgiving to create Kansas City’s biggest—and most anticipated—family holiday destination. IMMERSIVE 3-D SELFIE STATIONS New this year, guests will be dazzled by extravagant 3-D window scenes—complete with animated elements. The buzz-worthy displays were the brainchild of GES Events who spent months designing each of the four, fabulous window displays. Think of it as the ultimate holiday selfie station—and nothing like you’ve ever seen before. “Our designers focused on the small-town theme to provide visitors with that feeling of tradition, warmth, happiness and family,” says Lisa O’Keefe, director, partner development. “Each window display will be eye-catching and will bring a fresh element into the already exciting and festive space. Each window has a brilliant photo opportunity and is unique in its own way.” Fashioned after some of the wildly inventive holiday window displays in New York City and reminiscent of what delighted countless families visiting downtown Kansas City department stores in their heyday, the team at GES Events designed pieces that can be built upon
year after year. “We are excited to work with Union Station in future years to continue the story,” says O’Keefe. NOSTALGIC & TRAIN-TASTIC ADVENTURES AWAIT Given that Union Station is the second largest operating train depot in the United States, it’s no wonder we take our award-winning, model train holiday display seriously. Well, not too seriously. Our hugely popular display features over 11,000 feet of scale model trains chugging along through dazzling winter wonderlands. This year’s model train gallery has been expanded and decked out in even more whimsical holiday decor and showcases dozens of moving trains in every scale. The model train gallery went through an extensive overhaul less than two years ago and remains a nostalgic crowd favorite thanks to the addition of vintage railroad artifacts, motion graphic projections, and other historical elements. And, of course, the family favorite Jones Store ride-on train returns to take young guests on a delightful train ride through Rudy’s Wonderland for an additional $5 ticket. (The ride is free for Union Station members.) All guests must have a ticket to “Holiday Reflections” in order to access the mini-train. Eager to snap a selfie with Santa while you’re here? Keep an eye out for the big guy in red and be sure to visit unionstation.org for
updated dates and times. He’ll be roaming rather than sitting in order to burn off extra cookie calories and be available to everyone who’d like a quick pic. TICKETS ARE GOING FAST Union Station’s supersized, holiday walk-through village attracted more than 70,000 guests during our first outing. This year, visitors will enjoy even more newly imagined surprises. And with plenty of space to spread out, visitors of all ages can expect a comfortable, confident guest experience during visits to Union Station. “In total, this will be the biggest holiday production Union Station has mounted and is certain to delight guests of every age,” says Guastello. With tickets as low as $5, there’s something for everyone. Order now at unionstation.org. New and renewing Union Station members receive free admission to “Holiday Reflections.” Current members are encouraged to renew early to take advantage of this added benefit. For a complete list of holiday events and schedules, please visit unionstation.org. Union Station adheres to KCMO mask policies and will adjust as those mandates adjust. To see which policies are in place, please visit unionstation.org.
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The Michael Klein ME NORAH CO L L EC TI ON A Must-See!
Lifelong
Kansas City resident Michael Klein has spent more than 40 years collecting Judaica. His elaborate and ornate collection formally debuted as a gift to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah in December 2019. This holiday season, a curated sampling of pieces debuts at Union Station. Celebrating a collection of the finest Judaica spanning centuries and continents, the Michael Klein Collection of Judaica is among the largest and most diverse collections of its kind in the United States. “The Michael Klein Collection is dedicated to inspiring Jewish life and providing a journey through Jewish history, culture, and traditions,” says Abby Magariel, educator/curator. “This collection serves to educate and inform, celebrating the richness and beauty of Jewish life and heritage.” For Klein, it’s been a culmination of his life’s work—more than 1,000 pieces in total. "The collection illustrates the diversity of Jewish customs, traditions, and fine arts from around the world,” says Magariel. “At Union Station, visitors will see objects from many different Jewish communities: menorahs for Hanukkah, items one would find in a Jewish home, and pieces relating to Kansas City’s Jewish history.” The goal of the display is to tell the stories—as they happened— throughout Jewish history and around the globe. “There are few other exhibits like this one that are dedicated to helping its viewers explore and discover more about Jewish culture, religion, and heritage,” adds Magariel. One particular piece to spy in the collection is a silver spice box in the shape of a ram standing with a cluster of flowers. “It’s a charming object that’s both an important piece of a weekly ritual—and a toy!” says Magariel. “The end of Shabbat (Hebrew for Sabbath) takes place
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
at sundown on Saturday and is celebrated with a brief ceremony called havdalah. The ceremony is a farewell to the week using all of the participants’ senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. A spice box to hold strongly scented spices or herbs is used, and many artists create beautiful spice boxes for this purpose. (The ram) sits on a tiny, wheeled platform so a child can zoom it around a dining table as Shabbat comes to an end.” For visitors, The Klein Collection display at Union Station is a unique opportunity to engage with objects in a space so imbued with local history and traditions. Guests who have an opportunity to visit Union’s Station’s gripping Auschwitz exhibit can also appreciate and be mindful of this unique display of Jewish culture. “It is important to remember that the people murdered in the Holocaust, including those at Auschwitz, led lives with vibrant homes and communities, full of traditions and rituals. Their lives were influenced by their religion as well as the country, or even the region in which they lived. Their lives, not just their deaths, should be remembered,” says Margariel. “The Klein Collection illustrates and celebrates the vibrant lives of Jews from around the world through objects, and many of them come from European communities large and small. The Auschwitz exhibit’s last room, in one beautiful example, illustrates those lives through silent home movies made by families in these same communities. We mourn their deaths and celebrate their lives.” ■ To learn more about upcoming events or to see the entire collection, please visit bnaijehudah.org/kleincollectionevents or email Abby Magariel at curator@bnaijehudah.org.
HOLIDAY MOVIE
Classics
Return to the BIG Screen
If Christmas Trees, decorations and mistletoe sightings are also on your list, we’re just the place… our Grand Hall and Grand Plaza are adorned in miles of garland, twinkling lights and decorated trees. From floor to ceiling, witness the truly enchanting and magical holiday experience that is Union Station.
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Family-Favorites Now Showing It’s that time of year…where traditions abound both new and old. For the past 107 years, Union Station has been Kansas City’s home for the holidays. Families flock to the historic building to take in the sights and sounds of the season. And for the ninth year in a row, we’re bringing family favorites back to the big screen. For only $3/ticket, our Holiday Classic movies are a must-do for many of our guests. In fact, next to our towering trees and twinkling lights, showing these classics year-after-year is a familyfavorite and one of our most looked forward to events of the season. And that’s no surprise to anyone. In fact, online research suggests that watching a Christmas movie is one of the “Top 10” holiday traditions coveted by people each year. We can see why. Silly comedies. Terrific love stories. We love to recite lines and sing their tunes. It’s a great way to thaw a chilly heart and set a festive mood during the most “wonderful time of year.” ■
Christmas Traditions 1. Watch a Christmas Movie – Relive your favorites on the region's largest movie screen - tickets ONLY $3 2. Set up a Christmas Tree – More than 50 trees adorn the halls of historic Union Station. Including the largest indoor tree standing at 40 feet tall 3. String Home & Yard Decorations – Over 300 feet of lit and decorated garland, More than 25,000 Christmas lights create an enchanted Union Station experience 4. Hang the Mistletoe – Hanging from under the historic clock in Grand Hall, this is a favorite spot for that Holiday kiss
Holiday Classic Movie Line-Up: NOV 19 – 25: Jack Frost NOV 26 – DEC 2: Elf DEC 3 – 9: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation DEC 10 – 21: Polar Express PJ Party Bring the kids, come dressed in your favorite PJ’s, grab a bag of popcorn, sit back and relax as your favorite holiday movies play across the region's largest movie screen.
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5. Bake Christmas Cookies – Visit the Test Kitchen in Science City to make delicious holiday cookies. *Visit unionstation.org for full details and schedule 6. Christmas Gift Exchange – Rally House. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Parisi. Need we say more? 7. Send Christmas Cards – Family photos in front of our massive tree are a must!
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Don’t Miss
The Elves & the Shoemaker Union Station is pulling out all the stops this holiday season,
including a live onstage performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker which runs through December 23. The performance by Theatre for Young America spins the classic story of elfin kindness during the season of giving. Based on the stories collected by the Brothers Grimm, first published in Germany in 1812, the play revolves around an old shoemaker who is more interested in making toys for the neighborhood children than shoes for the grown-ups. He only has enough leather to make one good pair of shoes to sell for enough money to pay his rent. But the weather is cold, his fireplace has only ashes, and he grows very weary as the night grows darker in the Winter Solstice. He falls asleep, and two lively and hilarious elves sneak into the shop to help the poor, good-hearted shoemaker. The magical, loving elves—Mimsey and Morel—transform the grim world with music and dance and good deeds—even warming the
On Stage
cold heart of the shoemaker’s landlady Gertie with the sweet spirit of Christmas. Children of all ages will enjoy watching this age-old story as the toys and the puppets spring to life. Since 2004, Theatre for Young America has partnered with Union Station to bring live theatre—plays and musicals for young audiences— to the state-of-the-art City Stage on Level B of Union Station, says show director Gene Mackey. Every year over 20,000 young people— families, individuals, and school groups—attend plays at City Stage. Ticket reservations for The Elves and the Shoemaker are available at Tickets.UnionStation.org. Season tickets are also available at TYA.org. ■
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Union Station’s Planetarium:
HOLIDAY FUN FOR ALL AGES Regardless of whether you’re a fan of rock stars or celestial stars,
there’s something for everyone at Union Station’s Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium this holiday season. Built in the late 90s as part of Science City's construction, the digital dome theater seats 150 guests under our 60-foot dome. “And with our new digital laser projectors installed this past September, audiences will experience brighter, more vivid, and even more life-like views in our dome than ever before!” says Patrick Hess, Planetarium manager. Recently, the Planetarium kicked off a brand new slate of holiday shows and fan-favorites. “We are bringing back classic holiday hits like Laser Holiday Magic,” says Hess. “For this, we've gathered a selection of our favorite holiday tunes and brought them to life with gorgeous laser choreography and special 3D smoke effects. You'll discover something new this year for sure.” Want a reprieve from holiday shopping? This 35-minute immersive musical is sure to provide a cozy escape from the season’s hustle and bustle. In addition, visitors to the planetarium can experience a brandnew special edition of our fan-favorite star tour, Sky Station LIVE: Stars of Faith! "This holiday season our planetarium educators will
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
share with audiences holiday stars and traditions from around the world, and the many ways in which faith connects with the night sky,” says Hess. “Learn about the significance of astronomical bodies mentioned in the Quran, explore the lunar mechanics of the Hebrew calendar, investigate the possible astronomical origins of the Star of Bethlehem and more. It’s a great way to discover humanity's many connections to the heavens—exclusively at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.” Don't forget Union Station members have access to free passes to the planetarium every year. “Things get busy during the holidays, so please arrive 15 minutes before the show starts to get the best seats,” adds Hess. ■
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Now HERE is a Train! Written by: Roy Inman
One
of my fondest holiday memories as a kid growing up in Kansas City was riding the train inside the old Jones Store downtown. It ran through a magical Christmas wonderland, filled with elaborately decorated, illuminated and glittering trees arranged in a snowy landscape. I believe it also ran during the Easter holiday. Fast forward to 1999 and I am having one of my frequent conversations with Norman Allen, the originator and only manager of the Halls Station model train shop in Crown Center, now closed. In between photo assignments I would drop by the shop to ogle new model train arrivals or just to chat with the knowledgeable-about-all-things-trains, Allen. On that particular day, talk ranged widely, from model trains and their full-scale counterparts to the kiddie’s riding train at the Jones Store, which was closed by then. He mentioned almost casually, that the train was stored in a salvage warehouse in the West Bottoms. I don’t know how he knew it was there, but he said he could take me there to see it. Because of the aforementioned fond memories, and because, well, TRAINS, I was immediately interested! The salvage company had purchased all of the Jones Store lighting fixtures, shelving AND the riding train. When we visited the warehouse, and at that moment I had no idea if anything would come of the photographs I was making. It was not even on my radar that it might actually run again and carry another generation of Kansas City kids. It just seemed like something I should record. Photographs have a way of becoming important later. The images sat on one of my 25 external photo hard drives for years. Then one day I got a call from Pete Hansen, now passed. Pete and I had already worked on a number of train articles for magazines and for Union Station and of course we had a common interest in trains of any size. He
was approached by Union Station CEO George Guastello, who was looking for a riding train for kids at the holidays as part of a larger display. Pete emailed me and asked if I knew of such a thing. “Pete, I thought you would never ask!,” I gleefully replied. So I sent Pete the photos I had taken those many years ago at the West Bottoms warehouse, and Union Station purchased the train and track along with the original, vintage, heavy, very sturdy, wooden shipping boxes, which are now part of the display at Union Station. The locomotive was in sad condition. Virtually the entire engine had to be rebuilt and now runs on battery power. The classic passenger cars required considerable refurbishing as well. The isinglass windows had to be replaced with more sturdy, shatterproof plastic, and some of the track had to be obtained. Some parts and pieces had to be specially manufactured because they are no longer made. Lineage of the little train goes way back. Paul Allen “P.A.” Sturtevant built his first miniature riding train working out of a machine shop in Glen Ellyn, Illinois for his son in 1929. It was an electric powered model of a steam locomotive, and was a hit with the neighborhood. Friends told him he should sell the train commercially. Further inducement came in 1932 when a Sears store owner approached Sturtevant about leasing the train to run in his store at Christmas time. Soon, other Sears stores followed suit, company was officially born in 1940. In 1948 the company relocated to Rensselaer, Indiana, and was renamed Miniature Train Company (MTC). Allan Herschell Company in Towanada, New York, acquired MTC in 1956, which in turn was sold to Chance Rides, Wichita, Kansas, in 1970. The original locomotive that pulled the train around the Jones department store was modeled after the streamlined Zephyr of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad (CB&Q or just Burlington Route). Today’s miniature train features an engine that looks like the non-powered, red and white striped one, albeit scaled down, called “Rudy” that leads the fabulous Kansas City Southern Holiday Express that has visited Union Station for 20 years. And once again this holiday season, the venerable Jones Store train will be carrying delighted youngsters through Union Station’s recreation of a wondrous holiday landscape in the Grand Plaza. ■
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A Commitment to the Past,
A Gift to Our Future Make Union Station Part of Your Year-End Giving
When a dilapidated Union Station shuttered its doors in 1985,
many Kansas Citians presumed and feared it was destined for the wrecking ball. Over the years, our now-iconic, beloved landmark had fallen into disrepair and massive decay due to decades of neglect. It wasn’t until the mid-90s when residents on both sides of the State Line decided to launch an elaborate (and much-needed) “Save the Station” fundraising campaign. Through private donations and a first-ever bi-state tax, “Save the Station” ultimately raised nearly $235 million dollars to restore the mammoth building back to its glory days. If it wasn’t for the commitment and generosity of the people of Kansas City, the epic renovations may have never come to fruition and culminated in our historic 1999 reopening. Ten years ago this year, Union Station implemented a proactive 25-year maintenance project to ensure history would never repeat itself. With fifteen years to go, this comprehensive, dynamic plan continues to preserve, maintain, and enhance our beautiful 18-acre campus. Today, Union Station remains the metro’s premier gathering place. (Fun fact: pre-pandemic, we welcomed over two million guests through our historic brass doors annually and we’re regaining that ground quickly).
And throughout the pandemic, our focus on preservation and modernization has persisted. Current projects underway — and soon to be launched — include modernization of the Station’s many elevators, parking lot renovations, historic ceiling restoration, security upgrades, and major renovations for restrooms located off of Grand Hall and on Level B. And those are just a few examples. It’s a Herculean effort to maintain over one million square feet year round and it requires significant sources of funding. While attraction ticket sales — which also fills our Preservation Fund — provide important financial support , it doesn’t fully cover Union Station’s annual upkeep. Fortunately, the community, business leaders, and individual donors help make up the difference through generous donations. “The people of Kansas City embrace Union Station as their own and with great pride,” says George Guastello, president and CEO. “We, as a community, must continue that investment to ensure her future for generations to come. If maintained, there’s no reason she won’t be here for another hundred years. Making a donation today, large or small, is the key to ensuring that happens.”
Want to know how you can help? Here are just a couple of ways:
Purchase a membership to Union Station Not only is it 100 percent tax deductible, a membership provides countless benefits, including year-round free admission to Science City and special discounts to events—including our beloved “Holiday Reflections” walkthrough experience.
Giving, restoring, discovering — all helps make a difference. Without our patrons ongoing generosity, Union Station would not be the cultural beacon it is today.
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
Consider making a legacy gift or planned gift. Ask your financial planner about designating a portion of your estate as a donation to Union Station. These gifts create a powerful philanthropic legacy to ensure Union Station’s future remains bright, now and forever. Want to know more? Visit UnionStation.org and click donate at the bottom of the homepage for all the ways to give. You’ll also find a list of current projects needing support.
U N I O N S TAT I O N
Gift Guide
One-Stop Shopping For All Your Holiday Needs
Visiting Union Station over the holidays? We know you are . . . so swing by any of our retail shops to find gifts and/or stocking stuffers for your loved ones.
S a t i s f y Eve r yo n e’s SWEET TOOTH
LOOKING FOR LOCAL? We’ve Go t Yo u Covered Pop into KC’s newest Rally House to peruse a wide variety of KC-centric souvenirs like t-shirts, snow globes, coffee mugs, and keychains. (And, yes, you’ll even find some toy train memorabilia.) Want to commemorate your visit? Keep an eye out for Union Station swag and, of course, plenty of local sports merch to dole out this holiday season.
Tucked straight back from the information desk, you’ll spy Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Be sure to venture over because this time of year the candy makers are busier than elves on Christmas Eve. If you don’t try their gourmet English toffee, flavorful candied apples, or famous chocolate truffles, are you even living your best life?
Te r r i f i c & S C I E N T I F I C J I T T E R B U G S U n i te Parisi Coffee has plenty of freshly roasted, gourmet coffee available for purchase. We’re fans of their latest seasonal creation, the Thundergong! Blend, a magical java-lixir of milk chocolate, grapefruit, and caramel. Get it quick—because when it’s gone, it’s gone!
Have a burgeoning Albert Einstein or Marie Curie in your midst? An adventure awaits you inside the Science City Store. This one-of-a-kind shop features all kinds of unique and creative toys, each with an educational spin. It’s perfect for kids of all ages.
G I F T A M E M B E R S H I P to U n i o n S t a t i o n In addition to being tax-deductible, a Union Station membership gives the gift of fun all year long. Members receive free admission into Science City, a free-first visit to the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium and discounted admissions to our touring exhibitions. Plus, don’t miss daily savings at all Union Station retailers and eateries.
Give t the Giftion
Sta of Union rship! e b m e M
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November 19th – 25th: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: Jack Frost 23rd – Jan. 4th: New and Returning Favorites! Laser Holiday Magic and Sky Station Live: Stars of Faith showing in the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium 25th: All Union Station Attractions Closed for Thanksgiving 26th: Holiday Reflections Walk-Through Village Opening Day Hands-on, family-friendly activities including:
• Holiday stage performances at 11AM and 1PM
• Santa Appearance from 10AM – 2PM
• Holiday Maker Village from 10AM – 2PM
• Balloon Artist 2PM – 6PM
• Mini Ride-on-Train for the little ones. Members ride FREE.
• Non-Members $5
26th – Dec. 2nd: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: Elf 27th – Dec. 23rd: The Elves and The Shoemaker Presented by Theatre for Young America in City Stage 27th – Dec. 27th: Holiday Reflections Walk-Through Village Step into the most magical sights, sounds and selfies of the season.
• Spectacular New Animated Scenes
• Endless Memories at Every Turn
• Reserved Timed Tickets: $5 Weekdays, $8 Weekends
• Includes 11,000 SQF Holiday Model Train Gallery
• Mini Ride-on-Train for the little ones. Members ride FREE.
• Non-Members $5
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
HOLID
at Union
The magic continues this season a
favorite traditions return along wi
your calendars for all Holiday Ha
DAYS
n Station
at historic Union Station as family-
ith new and exciting events. Mark
appenings at your Union Station.
December 3rd – 9th: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 10th – 21st: $3 Holiday Classic Movie: Polar Express PJ Party 10th – 12th: Nutcracker, All Jazz’d Up! Presented by Academy of the Arts 19th: Holiday Reflections Walk-Through Village Stage Performances at 11AM & 1PM. Ticket required for entry. 25th: All Union Station Attractions Closed for Christmas 31st: Noon Year’s Eve in Science City End 2021 with a bang at this family-friendly event full of STEAM fun and a balloon drop!
Find a full and up-to-date schedule at UnionStation.org or By
Clicking Here
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Restoration of historic Grand Plaza marble floors
T RANSFOR MATI O N AL $5 MILL I O N GR A N T from Sunderland Foundation A GIFT FOR OUR FUTURE
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Union Station On Track • Holiday Edition 2021
Refinishing of historic front brass doors
Marble being installed in new Grand Hall Restrooms
The
transformational grant directed toward multiple preservation and restoration projects across the Station’s 18-acre campus will help keep the historic building in top shape for years to come. From parking lots, public restroom modernization, historic floor preservation to repair and restoration of our historic ceilings and so much more. “With our deepest appreciation, we recognize the Sunderland Foundation for their continued belief in, and substantial support of Union Station, Kansas City’s iconic monument with multiple award-winning attractions,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “With their generosity, we’re able to move forward confidently with a multitude of important renovation and preservation projects, both large and small. This type of investment by the Sunderland Foundation is hugely consequential, as it puts Kansas City’s visual voice – recognized around the world -- in great shape as our community and region return to out-of-home events and adventures.” Established in 1945, the Sunderland Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves by investing in places and spaces where nonprofits do their work – places where young minds grow and thrive, and where communities come together for celebration and inspiration. With over 2 million guests annually (pre-pandemic), Union Station and its multiple awardwinning attractions serve as these places for the people of Kansas City and beyond. “The Sunderland Foundation is proud to be a long-time supporter of Union Station and its commitment to generations of
Architectural renderings of new Grand Hall Restrooms
Kansas Citians,” Randy Vance, Sunderland Foundation president & COO, said. “This is an investment in our community and in the physical place in which so many of us have built a lifetime of memories. As Union Station opens its arms to welcome all parts of our diverse and dynamic community, we are pleased to help ensure that welcome includes a carefully preserved, restored and beautifully maintained physical presence.” In March of 2020, as the City, Nation and World anxiously responded to the onset of COVID, Union Station officials and staff pivoted to ensure financial risk was minimized and the iconic campus was protected for guests when they were ready to return. And return they did, in record fashion. Those careful fiscal and preservation strategies, powered in part with generous support like that from the Sunderland Foundation, helped the Station not only survive, but thrive during COVID. Indeed, the now-and-forever approach Station officials took instilled great confidence that first and last impressions of every Union Station guest will be ones of amazement and pride, just as it was when the Station first opened 107 years ago. Union Station – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization – funds ongoing operations with earned income from our various attractions and operations as well as with the generous support of corporations, foundations and individual donors and members. To support Union Station’s ongoing preservation efforts, please contact Christy Nitsche, Director of Advancement and Community Engagement, at CNitsche@UnionStation.Org.
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Sparking interest in the big ideas of tomorrow. You have the power to help pick the next big exhibit at Science City by voting for your favorite entry in Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains, Kansas City’s most exciting K-12 STEM competition. Cast your vote Dec. 6-17 at botbkc.com/vote.
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The Unsung Heroes of Union Station
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Caison says giving back to the community can be quite a win-win. “We are important to every person who walks through those beautiful doors,” she says. “It's important to me – and I have so much fun here.”
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iven that 2021 is shaping up to be another stellar year for attendance at Union Station, the need for volunteers has never been greater. This year alone more than 150 active volunteers have provided 11,000+ service hours and extensive support to exhibits such as Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away., Union Station’s model railroad gallery, and Science City’s popular attractions. “Often times, our volunteers are one of the very first Union Station representatives our visitors encounter,” says Christy D. Nitsche, director of advancement and community engagement. "Providing excellent customer service is of the utmost importance to our volunteers. It’s a source of pride to them — and to us!” With over one million tickets sold internationally, the riveting Auschwitz exhibit has helped amplify the need for volunteers. Nitsche mentions several new volunteers — Jack Nagel, Patrick McTee, and Joel Meddlings — have joined specifically in support of the popular exhibition. Two other volunteers, meanwhile, are celebrating milestones. Maggie Caison and Marcy Nelson both celebrated their respective 15th service anniversaries recently. Caison now clocks in with more than 7,000 service hours and Nelson has an impressive 8,000 volunteer hours under her belt. “The combination of their love for Union Station, and their overall passion for serving Kansas City and its educational offerings is incredibly inspiring. It is on display every minute they are volunteering at Union Station,” says Nitsche. “They are admired — not just for their commitment to USKC, but also because of their desire to spread their love for the Station to others!” Nelson says since retiring from her day job twelve years ago, she’s embraced her new “work family.” She adds, “It may sound corny, but volunteering at Union Station means giving back to the community. No matter what specific assignment volunteers are doing, it’s all providing customer service and a positive experience to the guests who come through our doors,” she says. “I get tremendous personal satisfaction from all of it. I feel like I retired from a paying job and got one that pays emotional dividends instead.” Nelson has been a fan of Union Station long before she began volunteering. Her fondness for the campus grows every year. “I’ve always wanted to do my part to help the Station thrive and grow,” she says. “The grand old lady captured my heart years ago and I’ll do whatever I can to help her continue into the next century!” Caison, meanwhile, points out that she enjoys the sheer variety of what she does and how every day is different. “Every exhibit is unique in its own right because of the passion of the people who come to walk through and interact,” she says. “I respect and find joy working with other volunteers and the staff here. Volunteers are respected at the Station.” For many volunteers, there’s a playful aspect to what they do. Not a day goes by that they don’t see a guest enjoying themselves with wideeyed amazement. “Volunteering at Union Station is part of something bigger than I am,” adds Caison. “The volunteers are amazing; they cross generations and bring years of life experience to share with guests.” Interested in becoming a volunteer in 2022? Find more information at UnionStation.org. UnionStation.org
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