Historical Society celebrating anniversary

How can it be that the Jackson County Historical Society turns 50 this year? “Isn’t it much older?” asked a patron. Folks have been meeting off and on as the Jackson County Historical Society since the Independence Day celebrations in 1909, which included a picnic on the shaded lawn of the John B. Wornall House in Kansas City.
The golden jubilee taking place Sept. 18 commemorates the 50th anniversary of the current incorporation of the Society, which took place – if my math is correct – in 1958.
The 1909 celebration, by the way, was quite a show. In place of the traditional fireworks or a brass band, Kansas City pioneers and their children observed older customs by standing to sing the national songs without accompaniment and by reading the Declaration of Independence. About 200 people enjoyed the simple ceremonies, such as recognizing the attendee of longest residence in the county and by listening to poignant speeches about the history their families had helped create. Amazingly, these participants also had the foresight to recognize and envision a great need for “the preservation ... (and the) care and exhibition of historic articles and documents relating to Jackson County.”
That vision of collecting, preserving and sharing is one that continues today after nearly 100 years. The mission of the Historical Society echoes that early day call for an unyielding dedication to the preservation and understanding our county’s heritage.
The Jackson County Historical Society formally organized Jan. 19, 1940, when Roger T. Sermon, then mayor of Independence, called an organizational meeting to choose officers and prepare bylaws.
The society ramped up its activity and officially incorporated in 1958 when the oldest structure on Independence Square was slated for demolition – the 1859 Jackson County Jail and adjoining Marshal’s Home. After a fervent capital campaign under the leadership of Society President W. Howard Adams, the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum opened to the public June 14, 1959, in the building’s 100th year. The one-room schoolhouse used for 90 years on the William Bullitt Howard farm near Lee’s Summit was later saved and relocated to the site for preservation.
Membership grew from 700 in 1958 to 2,351 a decade later. During this period, the society acquired the John B. Wornall House on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Westport in October 1964. Although the home was open by 1969 for “under restoration” tours, it took another three years of research, planning, fundraising, and restoration before the historic house museum opened to the public in September 1972.
The society’s Archives and Research Library outgrew temporary quarters in the basement of the Truman Library and relocated in 1973 to space in the historic Courthouse Jackson County Courthouse on the Square. In 2003, the society partnered with Jackson County Parks and Recreation to assume operational control of the Harry S. Truman Office and Courtroom down the hall.
A growing audience makes use of the Historical Society’s products, services, sites and programs. For instance in 1972 the society’s archives served about 100 people annually. Since 2000, they consistently track more than 3,500 contacts and accept more than 100 collections donations yearly.
Today, the Jackson County Historical Society is moving into the 21st century with exciting technological projects that will make their collections available to a worldwide audience.
Faithful volunteers, membership revenues and generous monetary gifts help the nonprofit organization pursue its worthy mission. And, tax-deductible contributions are solicited for the long-term viability of this Jackson County institution. Become a part of this worthy work and celebrate an auspicious anniversary on Sept. 18! Call 816.461.1897, or visit jchs.org.