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Independence, MO —
The city of Independence may have given only one of its historic preservation awards this May, but it went to a company that has made itself known in just two years.
Past to Present Research, led by Audrey Elder and Liana Twente, received the sole W.Z. Hickman Award for Historic Preservation (Distinguished Service – Organization) in the award’s 12th annual presentation at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Formed in 2010, Past to Present Research received the award because of its “commitment for the education of the community and to the preservation of historic resources in Independence,” Independence Heritage Commission chairman Mike Calvert said.
Elder and Twente provide their clients with personalized books about their properties, such as the small bungalow at 100 W. Moore, known as the birthplace of Ginger Rogers. Elder is a historic researcher, writer and real estate agent, while Twente is a historic researcher and writer.
“We just got started,” Elder said. “We’ve got a long way to go. I feel like we’re just getting this rolling.”
Past to Present Research’s website echoes that dedication.
“You can find us on almost any given day at the local genealogy library, the Independence Preservation office, County Records office or Historical Society,” it states. “When we aren’t conducting research, we can typically be found at a local historic program or driving through a neighborhood ‘ooohing and aaahing’ at the legacy of homes left by caring, dedicated home owners throughout the years.”
The Independence Heritage Commission established the awards in 2001 to recognize the efforts of individuals, organizations and projects that display an exemplary commitment to historic preservation in Independence.
Just one award nomination – for Past to Present Research – was submitted this year, although award categories also include Distinguished Service – Individual; Outstanding Building Restoration; Distinguished Volunteer; and Outstanding Visual Enhancements.
A local historian and pioneer historic preservationist, William Zere Hickman lived from 1845 until 1921. In 1909, he marked the original Santa Fe Trail. Seven years later, Hickman led efforts to restore the 1827 Log Courthouse, which is now at 107 W. Kansas Ave. in Independence.
May also marks National Historic Preservation Month, and the 2012 theme, chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is “Discover America’s Hidden Gems.” In a proclamation Monday night, Mayor Don Reimal said, “Neighborhood revitalization is a top priority in the city of Independence, including the urban core, suburbs and open space within our city limits, and the volunteers at the city’s historic sites aid in the continuous preservation and recognition of our cultural resources.”
Visit www.indepmo.org and click on “historic preservation” within the Community Development Department page for a list of special historic preservation events taking place this month.
The city of Independence may have given only one of its historic preservation awards this May, but it went to a company that has made itself known in just two years.
Past to Present Research, led by Audrey Elder and Liana Twente, received the sole W.Z. Hickman Award for Historic Preservation (Distinguished Service – Organization) in the award’s 12th annual presentation at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Formed in 2010, Past to Present Research received the award because of its “commitment for the education of the community and to the preservation of historic resources in Independence,” Independence Heritage Commission chairman Mike Calvert said.
Elder and Twente provide their clients with personalized books about their properties, such as the small bungalow at 100 W. Moore, known as the birthplace of Ginger Rogers. Elder is a historic researcher, writer and real estate agent, while Twente is a historic researcher and writer.
“We just got started,” Elder said. “We’ve got a long way to go. I feel like we’re just getting this rolling.”
Past to Present Research’s website echoes that dedication.
“You can find us on almost any given day at the local genealogy library, the Independence Preservation office, County Records office or Historical Society,” it states. “When we aren’t conducting research, we can typically be found at a local historic program or driving through a neighborhood ‘ooohing and aaahing’ at the legacy of homes left by caring, dedicated home owners throughout the years.”
The Independence Heritage Commission established the awards in 2001 to recognize the efforts of individuals, organizations and projects that display an exemplary commitment to historic preservation in Independence.
Just one award nomination – for Past to Present Research – was submitted this year, although award categories also include Distinguished Service – Individual; Outstanding Building Restoration; Distinguished Volunteer; and Outstanding Visual Enhancements.
A local historian and pioneer historic preservationist, William Zere Hickman lived from 1845 until 1921. In 1909, he marked the original Santa Fe Trail. Seven years later, Hickman led efforts to restore the 1827 Log Courthouse, which is now at 107 W. Kansas Ave. in Independence.
May also marks National Historic Preservation Month, and the 2012 theme, chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is “Discover America’s Hidden Gems.” In a proclamation Monday night, Mayor Don Reimal said, “Neighborhood revitalization is a top priority in the city of Independence, including the urban core, suburbs and open space within our city limits, and the volunteers at the city’s historic sites aid in the continuous preservation and recognition of our cultural resources.”
Visit www.indepmo.org and click on “historic preservation” within the Community Development Department page for a list of special historic preservation events taking place this month.
