Preserve Independence Awards
The Preserve Independence Award is awarded by the Commission to an individual, organization, or project that displays an exemplary commitment to historic preservation in Independence.
In 2001, the Heritage Commission developed the annual awards to recognize the challenges and successes in preserving the built environment that reflects Independence's rich history. Fill out the packet below and help the Commission celebrate the people, projects, and organizations that keep Independence’s history alive.
Preservation Awards Nomination Form_2026.pdf
Award Selection Judging Process
Nominations will be reviewed and voted on by the Independence Heritage Commission.
The Commission reserves the right to disqualify any nomination that is incomplete or does not meet the nomination requirements.
The Commission’s decisions are final and will be based on the following criteria:
- For building restoration/rehabilitation projects, adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Restoration or Rehabilitation.
- Significance/uniqueness of the project or achievement.
- Impact of the project or achievement on the community.
- Degree to which the nominee’s project or achievement serves as an example to positively influence other historic preservation activity and/or policy in the community.
Nomination Guide & Criteria:
Projects, individuals, or organizations may be nominated for an award in one of the following categories:
- Building(s) Restoration or Rehabilitation: Recognizes exemplary efforts by an individual property owner or organization in retention of the form, integrity, and materials of a historic property; restoration of a historic building to an earlier or original appearance; or rehabilitation of a historic building for reuse that preserves the building’s historical, cultural, or architectural significance.
- Distinguished Service: Recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to historic preservation efforts in Independence through advocacy, education, outreach, and philanthropy.
To be considered complete, a nomination must include the following:
- Building(s) Restoration or Rehabilitation:
- Completed nomination form
- Letter of authorization from the property owner, if not the person submitting the nomination
- A one-page statement that describes the significance of the project being nominated; the history of the building; and the names of the individuals, architects/contractors, consultants, and/or other professionals having a significant role in completion of the project
- Four or more digital photographs illustrating the project before (if possible) and after completion.
- Distinguished Service- Individual or Organization:
- Completed nomination form
- A one-to-two page statement describing the nominee's achievements and/or ongoing commitment to historic preservation efforts in Independence.
- Four or more digital photographs illustrating the nominee's accomplishments and including (when applicable) at least one image of the individual being nominated.
- Nominations for the Preserve Independence Awards will be accepted from the general public.
- A project or property may be nominated by its owner or another individual or group. If the nomination is made by someone other than the owner, the owner’s written consent must be obtained.
- Nominations for Distinguished Service Awards may be made without the knowledge of the nominee(s).
- All submittals must include the nomination form along with required attachments, as described herein.
- All materials submitted must be clearly identified with the name of the nominee. Digital photographs should be identified with the nominee’s name and a description, as well as applicable photo/copyright credits.
- All materials submitted become the property of the Independence Heritage Commission and will not be returned.
- Nominator grants permission for materials to be used for presentation and publicity purposes. Appropriate credit will be given.
Previous Recipients
Pam Fulmer was awarded the 2025 Preserve Independence Award for Distinguished Service at the May 5 City Council meeting. She is a long-time volunteer, board member and dedicated preservation advocate for the Vaile Victorian Mansion.
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity was selected as the 2023 recipient of the Preserve Independence Award for its rehabilitation of the historic Young School building located at 510 North Dodgion.
The Vaile Mansion was recognized for outstanding visual enhancement for the exterior lighting installed by the Vaile Victorian Society of the Vaile Mansion.
The 1859 Jail was chosen for outstanding restoration conducted by the Jackson County Historical Society.
Dorothy Francis
Rory & Jillayne Ritchie
