The Independence Historical Society and Independence Community Theater have cast an eye toward the future by engaging the younger generations. Here’s how.
Independence Historical Society
The Independence Historical Society remained inactive for several years due to the pandemic, with its Historic Hall left vacant and several officers resigning.
In 2021, members who wanted to save the organization became the newly elected officers. However, membership is still down 50% from 2021. To reverse the trend, The Historical Society plans to rebrand.
“We hope to generate more interest among younger people by updating the name and making our exhibits more interesting,” says Deborah Hudnall, President. “Our desire is to offer more events that appeal to a younger group.”
Reopening the main floor of Historic Hall represented just one part of the refresh.
The Historical Society also plans to help families store genealogy information in museum files; present programs for schools and other groups; put on a new offering during Home Days, the Cemetery Tour in October and the Holiday Home Tour in December; and collaborate with the city to apply for grants to restore the Hemlock Cemetery.
“Our goals are to perpetuate the memory of the pioneers of Independence, disseminate information and historical data to our residents, foster a spirit of neighborliness and stimulate an appreciation of the fundamentals of American Democracy,” Hudnall says. “This requires a workforce, and we are hoping to enlist residents to join us.”
Community Theater
Independence Community Theater also features programming geared toward youth with its theater Summer Camp.
Taking place over the course of several weeks, the Summer Camp consists of putting together a full production from start to finish. This year, it’s Finding Nemo.
“It’s an all-inclusive arts experience. It builds [the children’s] confidence and stage presence, as they work together for a common goal,” says Jennifer Sindyla, Summer Camp Director. “The youth are our future in the arts, and providing this experience at a young age exposes them to that opportunity. Theater opens doors to all types of opportunities.”
