The Independence Historical Museum & Art Center (IHMAC) held an event to raise awareness, solicit pre-funding money, and seed the fundraising goal of $500,000. The IHMAC Forever campaign kick-off hosted 60 people representing 7 local businesses and they pledged $97,000, with IHMAC board members adding another $19,245 in pledges.

Ray Rothgeb, IHMAC President says the second phase of the improvement plan includes cleaning, repairing, renovating, and protecting exterior features of the 130-year-old Federal building that houses the museum and art center. Rothgeb announced that the IHMAC has been awarded $59,200 from the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Grant and $25,000 from the City of Independence Downtown Building Grant.

The goal is to raise $500,000 over the next three years and establish funds to sustain the museum into the next century.