Independence Historical Museum

The Independence Historical Museum & Art Center (IHMAC) traces its beginnings to 1882 when some local businessmen's wives collected books and art work to bring culture to a growing prairie settlement. Their effort eventually led to the creation of a museum and the building of a Carnegie Library (still in use). By 1964 their meager beginnings had grown into the Independence Museum Inc. and the acquisition of the 1912 Independence Federal Building. The building was the US Post Office and was purchased to house a growling collection of art and historical artifacts. It is exemplary of the Classical Revival style of the period and is on the Kansas State and National Registers of Historic Places. Within in the walls and three levels of the building one can explore a permanent art collection, 25 exhibit rooms, a galley, and visit the gift shop.