Heritage Museum, Independence

08/26/2026

Heritage Museum Closure

Beginning August 26, 2026, the Independence Heritage Museum will be closed to the public until further notice due to insufficient funding.

While the museum building is closed, the museum collection will continue to be cared for in secure, controlled storage for the time being. Contact [email protected] with questions.

08/20/2026

New to the Heritage Museum Collection

This red, white and blue silk ribbon was worn during the 15th Annual Encampment of the Department of Oregon, Grand Army of the Republic, held in Independence on June 11, 12 and 13, 1896.

The Grand Army of the Republic, or GAR, was an organization of Union veterans of the Civil War. An “encampment” wasn't quite what the name makes it sound like. It was more like a statewide convention and reunion, where veterans gathered for meetings and official business, but also ceremonies, speeches, reunions and time together.

For three days that June, veterans from around Oregon came to Independence. The Woman's Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans were here for their gatherings as well. Businesses and homes around town were decorated for the occasion, and newspaper accounts reported a large attendance.

I love artifacts like this because they give us a little window into what our town once looked and felt like. For a few days in June of 1896, Independence was filled with Civil War veterans from around Oregon.

And this little ribbon was there for it.

-Amy Christensen, Museum Director

08/15/2026

In the latest episode of Historic Homes Roadshow, we visit 357 B Street and explore the people, stories, and architectural changes that shaped this home over the years.

Built in 1910, the home was originally owned by Lucy Whitaker, a prominent member of the local Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Later, it became home to Donald MacCarthy, who operated one of the area’s largest hop operations, and James Hart, a local Ford dealer and city councilor.

Take a look inside the latest episode to learn more about this unique piece of Independence history!

08/14/2026

Please enjoy the latest episode of Historic Homes Roadshow with Independence City Planner, Fred Evander, and Museum Director, Amy Christensen.

08/07/2026

Who was J. T. Ford?

The stamp inside this 1887 copy of These Degenerate Days tells us it once belonged to J. T. (John Thorp) Ford, who was serving as Independence's postmaster when the book was published. He later became sheriff in Dallas, and when he passed away in 1930, newspapers noted that he was the oldest person born in Polk County still living at the time.

The title sounds dramatic, but author Minot Savage wasn't complaining that society was falling apart. Instead, he explored a question that's surprisingly familiar: Is every generation convinced the next one is in decline? He challenged readers to think about whether the "good old days" were really as good as people remembered, and whether modern life was actually improving in many ways.

It's funny how some conversations never seem to change, and fascinating to know what was on the mind of an Independence community leader in 1887.

08/05/2026

New to the museum collection!

This postcard, believed to date to about 1910, shows Independence's Star Theater, which once stood just north of today's Elks building.

The building itself was constructed as a live performance theater, welcoming traveling entertainers, plays, music, and community gatherings long before motion pictures became a regular form of entertainment. As the new technology of "moving pictures" arrived in the early 1900s, the theater adapted to show films alongside live performances.

In 1909, Richard Gains leased what was called the Wonderland Theatre and renamed it the Star Theatre. Later that same year, Ross Nelson and Chet Henkle became the theater's proprietors. Just a few years later, they built Independence's Isis Theatre in 1913, helping usher in a new era of movie-going in our community.

We're always excited to add pieces like this to the museum collection because they help us picture what a night out in downtown Independence looked like more than a century ago. Can you imagine strolling down Main Street, buying a ticket, and stepping inside for an evening of live entertainment?

07/31/2026

We recently added this wonderful little pin to the museum collection.

At just over an inch across, it tells you exactly how Independence wanted the world to see it more than 120 years ago. Around the edge it proudly proclaims "Independence, Oregon – The Hop Center of the World." Inside are all the things our community was proud to brag about: six churches, a $14,000 schoolhouse, a flouring mill, two sawmills, a creamery serving 1,500 cows, a sash and door factory, 16 railroad switches, and a population of 1,500.

It's basically a tiny advertisement for Independence around 1903–1904, when our hop industry was booming and the town was growing.

Flip it over, and you can still see the mark of the Whitehead & Hoag Company, one of America's best-known button makers at the turn of the century. Imagine someone proudly pinning this to their coat and heading off to a fair, a convention, or simply wearing a little hometown pride.

07/31/2026

07/27/2026

We will miss our cherished friend.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of City Councilor Marilyn Morton.

Marilyn served on the city council for nearly 25 years, including as council president, and cared deeply for the community she represented. In addition to her service on the city council, she served on several community boards, was involved with local fundraising groups, created the annual Ghost Walk event, produced the monthly 2C1C publication, and shared a love of local history.

"Marilyn was a friend and colleague who loved our community," said Mayor Kate Schwarzler. "She brought a deep knowledge of Independence history, and I will miss her kindness, generosity, and perspective. Our community is stronger because of her selfless commitment to the city."

We extend our deepest condolences to Marilyn's family, friends, and everyone in our community who is grieving her loss. Her love and dedication to Independence and the people within it will not be forgotten.