WELCOME

A few of the over 20 rooms are displayed at this time. Different Rooms will be featured each month; so come back often.

The Museum has been selected as the organization to manage the new Landon Center. It is not yet opened, but much has been done getting it ready. Go to the website: http://www.landoncenter.com/ to see the progress.

The calendar this year features the various churches in Independence. You may purchase the calendar at the Museum for $5. To purchase one on-line, go to Calendar 2009 . The new 2010 calendar will be out shortly.

There is new and easy way to raise money for this Museum just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com. It's simple. You use GoodSearch.com like any other search engine — the site is powered by Yahoo! — but each time you do, money is generated for this Museum.

Last year, search engines generated close to $6 billion in revenue from advertisers. With GoodSearch part of this advertising revenue will now be directed to Independence Historical Museum. We hope that not only will you use GoodSearch as your main search engine from here on out, but will also pass this message on to your friends and family. The more people who use this, the more money will go to this Museum. Use this link to search each time: http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=822910

Another way to raise money, is to bring in your "Best Choice labels". Leave with the office staff.

The museum creates a sense of exciting evolution from the 1800's when Independence was called "Hay Town", to the present, now a busy Southeast Kansas City of more than 10,000 people. The museum's permanent exhibits in 22 rooms tell stories of the early settlers lifestyle; the history of the oil industry; some of the Indian Culture collection and various historical artifacts.

Sculptures, antique china, crystal and other rare collections are on display in the foyer and throughout the museum.

Also, on display... large Military display,1869 furnished Log Cabin, 1884 School Classroom, Old General Store, Doctor's Office, Bedroom, Dining Room, Parlor, Kitchen, Toy Room, Blacksmith Shop, Antique Tools, Toy Collection, Shoe Store, Fire Department, old pictures and more.

Various activities are sponsored and held each year at the museum such as quilt fairs, arts and craft fairs, Verdigris Valley Art Exhibit and numerous museum social events.

A collection of playwright, William Inge, memorabilia, activities and awards enhance the annual Inge Festival sponsored by the Independence Community College. We also have memorabilia from other local celebrities - Bill Kurtis, Vivian Vance, Jim Halsey, Osa Johnson, and Ossie Tranbarger.

The Independence Historical Museum was owned and operated by the Ladies Library and Art Association organized in 1882.

Upon completion of the Carnegie Library in 1907, the Association turned the 3,500 volumes it had acquired over to the city. Its first objective completed; the group devoted its effort to securing an art collection for its people.

In 1963, the Association purchased the Old Post Office/Federal Building at 8th and Myrtle Streets as a cultural center for the community, a repository for the art collection and as a museum to preserve the history of the area. The museum building was placed on the State and National Register for Historic Sites in 1988.

In January 2000, the Independence Museum acquired the Montgomery County Historical Society collection and then integrated the two collections. The name was then changed to The Independence Historical Museum, founded by the Ladies Library and Art Association and the home of Montgomery County Historical Society.