Independence Historical Museum and Art Center

Independence Historical Museum and Art Center Sculptures, antique china, crystal and other rare collections are on display in the foyer and throughout the museum. The two collections were then integrated.
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The Independence Historical Museum and Art Center houses antiques, artwork and historical artifacts in 22 rooms of the Nationally Registered Post Office/Federal Building. The museum creates a sense of exciting evolution from the 1800s when Independence was called "Hay Town" to the present, now a busy Southeast Kansas city of more than 9,000 people. The museum's permanent exhibits in 22 rooms tell

stories of the early settlers' lifestyles; the history of the oil industry; some of the Indian Culture collection and various historical artifacts. Also on display: an 1850s barber shop, a large military display, fishing tackle collection, 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 and more. Various activities are held each year at the museum such as quilt fairs, arts and craft fairs, the Verdigris Valley Art Exhibit and numerous museum social events. Members of the museum gather monthly for a luncheon and program throughout the year except in the summer. The Independence Historical Museum was owned and operated by the Ladies Library 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 efforts to securing an art collection for its people. A new charter was created in 1926 with the name Ladies Library and Art Association. 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 Registers for Historic Sites in 1988. In January 2000, the Independence Museum joined with the Montgomery County Historical Society. The name was changed to The Independence Historical Museum, founded by the Ladies Library and Art Association and the home of Montgomery County Historical Society.

We had a group from Class Ltd. in today to tour the museum!
08/21/2026

We had a group from Class Ltd. in today to tour the museum!

This is going to be a great exhibit! Check it out starting this Friday!!
08/18/2026

This is going to be a great exhibit! Check it out starting this Friday!!

“An Evening with Bill Kurtis” is coming soon! A dinner and tribute to this talented journalist will be an evening you w...
08/18/2026

“An Evening with Bill Kurtis” is coming soon! A dinner and tribute to this talented journalist will be an evening you won’t want to miss! Scan the QR code on the invitation or go to our website and scan the QR code there, or come into the office and pay.

IHMAC sponsors an “Open Studio” once a month for area artists. Artists work on their own projects alongside other creat...
08/11/2026

IHMAC sponsors an “Open Studio” once a month for area artists. Artists work on their own projects alongside other creative individuals. Held on the second Monday of each month—just bring your materials and creativity! No registration, no fee. Join this group in September!!

Last stop on our “museum to museum” bus trip was the newly-renovated and amazingly beautiful KANSAS MUSEUM OF HISTORY. ...
08/06/2026

Last stop on our “museum to museum” bus trip was the newly-renovated and amazingly beautiful KANSAS MUSEUM OF HISTORY. What a wonderfully designed space!

Our first stop is the Air Combat Museum. Lots of interesting planes and history!
08/06/2026

Our first stop is the Air Combat Museum. Lots of interesting planes and history!

On the road…..to Topeka! IHMAC-sponsored “Museum to Museum” tour took off bright and early this morning to head to the ...
08/06/2026

On the road…..to Topeka! IHMAC-sponsored “Museum to Museum” tour took off bright and early this morning to head to the Combat Air Museum and then on to the Kansas Museum of History! Stay tuned….

Nice crowd tonight at the IHMAC Singers concert!
07/30/2026

Nice crowd tonight at the IHMAC Singers concert!

TONIGHT!! Come listen to this amazing community choir. Refreshments after the concert. Starts at 7 PM.
07/29/2026

TONIGHT!! Come listen to this amazing community choir. Refreshments after the concert. Starts at 7 PM.

MEADOWLARK LOUNGE on Saturday July 25th at IHMAC-Great event-great musicians!
07/27/2026

MEADOWLARK LOUNGE on Saturday July 25th at IHMAC-Great event-great musicians!

Address

123 N 8th Street
Independence, KS
67301

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16203313515

Website

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