KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2003--From Marbury v. Madison to Martin Luther King, the pursuit of freedom has been a common theme throughout history. Kansas City area GE businesses (GE ERC, GE Consumer Finance, and GE Transportation Systems Global Signaling) are joining Kansas City Public Television (KCPT) to bring this important story to Kansas City.
Freedom: A History of US - The Exhibit is touring the country and coming to Kansas City, where it will be on display March 7th to March 14th (except Sunday) from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM, at KCPT Studios, 125 East 31st Street in Kansas City, MO. Admission is free and school groups are especially welcome.
The exhibit is a companion to Joy Hakim's award winning book Freedom: A History of US, which chronicles America's quest for freedom. A 16-part PBS series based on Hakim's book recently aired on KCPT, and is also sponsored by GE.
"Freedom is the principle upon which this country was founded," said Ron Pressman, Chairman, President and CEO of GE ERC. "The Freedom: A History of US exhibit illustrates the evolution of this ideal in America and demonstrates how citizens, both ordinary and extraordinary, have made a commitment to uphold it. This is a story that everyone should experience."
The exhibit contains reproductions of rare documents and archival photographs spanning 200 years of American history, including:
-- A 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence -- The diary of an African-American soldier who volunteered and fought in the Civil War after the Emancipation Proclamation -- Abraham Lincoln's handwritten speech notes
Local GE businesses have also made it possible for the program to find a home in Kansas City area schools. This summer, KCPT will introduce Freedom: A History of US curriculum into schools through teacher seminars thanks to a grant from GE ERC.
"KCPT is pleased to host the Freedom: A History of US exhibit along with local GE businesses," noted Jody Evans, KCPT spokesperson. "It is an educational exhibit which captivates the imagination while telling the story of America's path towards freedom through reprints of rare documents."
GE Consumer Finance is a leading provider of credit services to retailers and consumers. GE Consumer Finance provides private-label credit cards, commercial programs and card-related financial services for hundreds of retailers and manufacturers across North America, serving more than 100 million cardholders. Our 800 associates respond to inquiries in our Customer Care unit in Merriam, Kansas.
GE Transportation Systems (GETS) Global Signaling is a leader in innovative signaling and communication solutions for the rail freight and transit industry. GETS Global Signaling is a subsidiary of GE Transportation Systems, which is one of the world's leading suppliers to the railroad, transit, and mining industries. GETS Global Signaling is headquartered in Grain Valley, Missouri. Visit us on-line at: www.getrasnportation.com.
GE's Employers Reinsurance Corporation is the world's fourth largest reinsurer and a premier global provider of risk solutions. GE ERC serves clients in property and casualty reinsurance, life & health reinsurance, commercial insurance and other risk management services. GE ERC has earned top financial security ratings. More information on GE ERC is available at www.ercgroup.com.
KCPT is a nonprofit, community-owned television station serving Kansas City's 853,000 television households. KCPT provides life-long learning opportunities for children and adults in homes, classrooms and childcare centers across Kansas, Missouri and Illinois.
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CONTACT:
GE ERC
Melanie Chesser, 913/676-6708
or
To schedule a group visit:
Jody Evans, 816/756-3580, ext. 4323