Independence Historical Society

ANNOUNCEMENT: HEMLOCK CEMETERY RESTORATION IS UNDERWAY!
The Independence Historical Society is pleased to announce that the first phase of monument restoration at Hemlock Cemetery will start on Saturday, June 27th and continue throughout 2026, as weather permits. Workers will be present alone, and for insurance and safety reasons, cannot be disturbed. However, passers-by are welcome to observe the process.

If you have ancestors buried at Hemlock, please email us to consider “adopting a grave” to support our restoration efforts and honor your family member. We welcome questions and concerns from those related to anyone buried at Hemlock. Email us for a list of surnames.

We look forward to restoring this important Independence landmark and hope it becomes a destination for learning about the early pioneers of Independence.

We are planning a fun informational event at Hemlock Cemetery in October. Please follow us on Facebook or our website and check for updates in the Community Spotlight.

We came across this lovely photograph at Historic Hall, but have no information on who this bride is.

Does she look familiar to anyone?

Don't miss the opportunity to see the four cornerstones of faith that originally anchored our community of Independence.

The exhibit will be at the Independence Historical Society on June 27th and 28th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Cookies designed for each Church are available for purchase here: https://tinyurl.com/yc56ht32

Cookies must be purchased by June 22nd and will be available for pickup during the exhibit.

Thank you to the volunteers from KeyBank who helped clean up our displays at Historic Hall today.

You made a big difference!

BACK TO THE SIXTIES!
The Independence Historical Society is excited to announce a 60's-themed celebration on July 31st in honor of our 60th Anniversary! We are seeking donations of 60s-style items for our exhibit, including:
• Clothing: Go-go boots, flowered miniskirt, psychedelic prints, peace sign jewelry, Nehru jacket, hippie attire
• Home decor: beanbag chair, s**g rug, lava lamp, bead curtains, small avocado green or harvest gold appliances, small mid-century modern furniture (side table, chair, wall art, starburst clock)
• Toys: Slinky, Barbie & Ken, GI Joe, Etch-a-sketch, Twister, Operation, Rock'em Sock'em Robots, Super Ball
• Music/Posters: Beatles, Motown, Woodstock, Sound of Music, transistor radio, boom box
• Media: Apollo program, moon landing, MLK Jr., Civil Rights Act, Women's Rights, Viet Nam

If you have something to contribute, please email us at [email protected] with a photo. If your item fits our needs, we’ll arrange for a meeting with you to complete a Deed of Gift form, and officially accept your tax-deductible donation.

Thank you so much for helping us celebrate and to bring a bit of nostalgia to the community! We hope to see you in the Square on July 31st!

LAST DAY FOR PRE-ORDERS for delicious red, white or blue muffins! Be sure to visit Historic Hall Monday morning while you're out in the Square, between 8:30 AM-11:00 AM. https://square.link/u/uM9ZAjTX

Don’t miss out! Order by Friday to guarantee your Memorial Muffins!
Pick up Monday 8am-11am to enjoy breakfast during the ceremony in the Square or at Historic Hall.
www.independencehistoricalsociety.com/events

1920s IHS grads were stepping into a "roaring" new world!
We've opened up the archives to share these gorgeous commencement announcements. Art deco fonts and designs on sophisticated cream cardstock, from a century ago. Which design is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!