The Hallmark Visitors Center, located in
Kansas City's Crown Center complex, presents a lively overview of the world's largest greeting card company to more than 150,000 visitors each year. Although the two shoeboxes that held the company's first inventory have been lost, other historical artifacts are showcased in the Visitors Center timeline exhibit. The exhibit, one of 14 at the 10,500-square-foot center, shows how Hallmark products have reflected various eras and trends in 20th century America. Placed against a backdrop of newspapers and magazine covers are humorous cards from the Depression era, World War II greetings for servicemen and women, a flower-covered paper dress from the 1960s, holograms from the 1980s and recordable greeting cards and ornaments from the 1990s. An exhibit from the Hallmark Historical Collection features selected greeting cards, some dating back to the early 1800s. This exhibit changes with the seasons.