Doran Cart to Retire from National WWI Museum and Memorial After 33 Years of Service

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial announced today the retirement of longtime senior curator, Doran Cart. After 33 years of service at the Museum and Memorial, Cart will retire on Dec. 31, 2022. 

Doran’s professional career began in 1974 with work in museums, at historic sites and in historic preservations in Indiana, California and Florida. A deep love of history brought him to the Museum and Memorial in April 1990 when he began as a curator. Under Cart’s stewardship the collection has grown to be the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world and the Museum and Memorial has grown into a critically acclaimed international destination.

“Doran’s long tenure at the Museum and Memorial enabled us to stage important installations and take a place of national leadership during the centennial of the Great War,” said Matthew Naylor, President and CEO. “His unparalleled knowledge of WWI objects strengthened our work and drove us to new heights. On behalf of the Museum and Memorial Board of Trustees, Board Chair Marty Nevshemal joins me in congratulating and expressing deep appreciation for Doran’s service and commitment to our mission.”

Cart has worked as a consultant for museums, documentaries, books, films and more, and he has represented the Museum and Memorial as a subject matter expert on national and international television, radio and print interviews. He has been the recipient of many awards and was recently recognized with a Congressional Record Statement from Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver for his three decades of work.

“I am proud to have been associated with the Museum and Memorial, and with the people who work here, for the bulk of my professional career. This collection, with its international focus, is unlike anything in the world,” said Cart. “WWI is a tough subject but looking at the time period from the vantage point of the participants makes it relatable. I have loved sharing the humanity of history’s stories.”

Cart’s last day with the Museum and Memorial will be Dec. 31, 2022. He will retire to the position of Curator Emeritus, the first person at the Museum and Memorial to receive this special distinction.