Jackson County (Mo.) Historical Society

Historical Perspective

by David W. Jackson

Society celebrating anniversary

How can it be that the Jackson County Historical Society (JCHS) 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, Missouri.

The golden jubilee taking place on Thursday, September 18, 2008, commemorates the 50^th 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 that day, 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 JCHS echoes that early day call for an unyielding dedication to the preservation and understanding our county’s heritage.

The JCHS formally organized January 19, 1940, when Roger T. Sermon, then mayor of Independence, Missouri, called an organizational meeting to choose officers and prepare by-laws. The headquarters were to be at the County Seat in Independence, and its historical records (now its Archives and Research Library) were then maintained in one fireproof cabinet in the Jackson County Library (today Mid-Continent Public Library).

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 100^th year. The one-room schoolhouse used for 90 years on the William Bullitt Howard farm near Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was later saved and relocated to the site for preservation and interpretation. The restored structures and period rooms are furnished through the acquisition of significant Jackson County-related artifacts from the late 19^th Century.

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 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Westport (an event significant to that site’s history) 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 Harry S Truman Presidential Museum and Library and relocated in 1973 to space in the historic Courthouse Jackson County Courthouse on Independence Square. In 2003, the JCHS 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 JCHS archives served about 100 people annually. Since 2000, they consistently track more than 3,500 contacts and accept more than 100 collections donations yearly. Then, too, are the thousands of museum tours; plus, educational programs; publications; etc. Today, the JCHS is moving into the 21^st Century with exciting technological projects that will make their collections available to a worldwide audience.

How do they do it? Faithful volunteers, membership revenues, and generous monetary gifts of all sizes help the nonprofit organization vigorously pursue its worthy mission. And, tax deductible contributions to permanent endowment funds 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 September 18, 2008! Call 816.461.1897, or visit jchs.org.

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