An old idea revisited: A Smithsonian in the Midwest

I see in the Star today that Franklin, Kansas is getting a travelling Smithsonian exhibit soon. They're all excited, naturally, for what it can mean for their town. Good for them. Good for the Smithsonian. Good for this area. It brings back the idea, for me, that it would really benefit the Smithsonian, Kansas City, the region and even the entire US, really, if that same Smithsonian took just some of the things in their collection--from storage--and opened a midwestern museum here in Kansas City. It just makes so much sense. They have more things than they can show so they're in storage. This way, more people could see more of their things. I'm sure it would raise money for them, what with an entrance fee. It would make those pieces more available since you wouldn't have to go all the way to Washington, DC to see them. It would be a great boost for the city and region. People from all over the midwest and even the nation could come here to see the objects. Sure, Union Station is no longer available for it (who knows if that would have been big enough anyway) but we have plenty of space in downtown to locate such a facility. It just makes so much sense. Link to original story: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/12/27/3339396/franklin-kan-prepares-for-big.html