By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
June 23, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The recently removed Motel Capri sign won’t be the only sign archived into the Kansas City Museum’s Collections.

On Saturday, June 27, the Kansas City Museum is inviting the Northeast neighborhood over for breakfast and to watch the removal of the sign on Corinthian Hall that reads “Kansas City Museum of History and Science.” The event begins around 8 a.m. with breakfast and beverages on the museum grounds. Around 9:15 a.m., officials will carefully remove the three-piece sign. Anna Marie Tutera, Executive Director of the Kansas City Museum, and Mark McHenry, Director of the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department, will both give short presentation on the history of the sign and update community members on current and future happenings at the museum.

When talks about removing the sign increased, Tutera said she ventured out into the community to get resident reactions. She said area residents she spoke with were understanding, but also noted how they wanted to be part of the process and see the sign come down. During the morning, they’ll honor the memorable past as a museum of natural history and science

“It’s an important part of the museum’s history and we wanted to make sure the community comes together for its acknowledgement,” Tutera said.

Tutera added it is important the sign comes down because the museum is no longer a history and science museum. The museum is currently open during renovations.

“It’s confusing to people,” Tutera said with a laugh. “Last fall and winter, people were coming here expecting science exhibits. So for functionality, it needs to come down to better align with the museum’s current needs.”

During their process of turning the Kansas City Museum into a, “destination for Kansas City and a leading cultural and educational institution locally, regionally, and nationally,” Tutera added they’re also working on acquiring more highway signage in an attempt to aid more visitors in finding the attraction.

The director didn’t know when, or even if, new signage will be installed. With the focus on installing more wayfinding signs throughout the Northeast and Kansas City, she said those may be all the signs they need for now.

The museum is asking residents who plan to attend to RSVP, if possible, by emailing paul.gutierrez@kcmo.org.