Ginger Rogers' Independence birthplace to open as house museum

The birthplace of Ginger Rogers at 100 W Moore Street in Independence, Missouri is being renovated and will open as a small museum open to the public this summer.

Rogers was born in a tiny room in the 1906 Craftsman Bungalow on July 16, 1911 as Virginia Katherine McMath. Her mother, Lela, worked as a secretary nearby, and later was a Hollywood script writer and Rogers’ manager.

Rogers was well known as a Hollywood actress and dance partner for Fred Astaire.

The Ginger House will be open to the public during a July 15-16, 2017 grand opening. The weekend will include a “Ginger Festival” with a dinner, silent auction, presentations, and tours of the home.

Ginger Rogers birthplace in Independence

Restoration of the home has been underway for months.

The project includes extensive repairs to the stone foundation, floor joists, and chimney. The interior restoration, which includes new floors, paint, new wiring and plumbing, and new old style bathroom and kitchen is slated to be completed by April 2017.

The house is owned by owned by Marge and Gene Padgitt of Independence. The home was designated as an Historic Landmark property by the City of Independence in 1994.

Rogers visited the home for her 83rd birthday celebration in July of 1994 when thousands of people turned out for the event and visited the home on several prior occasions.

More information is available at The Ginger House or by contacting Marge Padgitt (816) 833-1602.