Two new exhibits at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Money Museum examine the use of currency throughout U.S. history and the changes affecting the Bank’s Protection Department since the 1920s.
The Money Museum’s historical currency exhibit traces the evolution of paper money from the nation’s beginnings to the present day. The display, which contains 23 various notes from the Free Banking Era, the Civil War period, the National Banking Era, the Federal Reserve Era and more, shows how currency has changed since 1729, when goldsmith bearer’s receipts were used to purchase goods. Also on display is a 1778 Continental, as well as silver certificates from the post-Civil War era.
Another recently installed exhibit, “To Protect and Serve: Protection Through the Years,” features the Bank’s Protection Department, which is responsible for securing the Bank’s property and assets. The display looks at the events impacting the Protection Department’s operations since 1920, including information about a 1922 fatal robbery at the U.S. Mint in Denver and the Bank’s response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Also on display are examples of Protection badges, patches and weapons.
The Money Museum is located at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, 1 Memorial Drive, near the Liberty Memorial. The Money Museum provides an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the Bank and its role in today’s economy. Walk-in visitors with photo ID are welcome for self-guided tours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for Bank holidays. Parking is free and there is no admission charge.
For more information, or to sign up for a guided group tour, visit the Money Museum’s website at www.KansasCityFed.org/moneymuseum.