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Heritage Commission

Preservation Awards Nomination Form_2026.pdf

The Independence Heritage Commission is a nine-member body appointed by the Independence City Council to oversee the preservation, protection, and enhancement of our city’s historic resources. Guided by this mandate, the Commission continually strives to foster and encourage the restoration, rehabilitation, and reuse of buildings within traditional neighborhoods and commercial districts throughout Independence.

The duties of the Commission are to:

  • Initiate, review, and recommend properties for designation as a local Landmark, Historic District, or Conservation District
  • Establish specific design guidelines for the alteration, construction, relocation, or demolition of Landmarks or buildings within designated historic districts
  • Review city-wide applications for all demolition requests
  • Review all special-use permits affecting any designated property
  • Initiate, review, and make recommendations concerning National Register nominations to the City Council and State Historic Preservation Office
  • Initiate, develop, and maintain cultural resource surveys and inventory
  • Work with various governmental agencies on matters involving historic properties in the City; and,
  • Review Certificate of Appropriateness and Certificate of Economic Hardship applications.

The Commission makes its recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council. 

Membership Information

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine members; two of which are advisory positions held by representatives of the Truman Presidential Library and the National Park Service. The remaining seven positions are appointed by the City Council. Members serve a three-year term which expires on April 1. No member shall serve for more than two full consecutive terms, and no member shall then be reappointed in less than three years. The Staff Liaison: Wendy Shay (wshay@indepmo.org)

Members

  • Mark Scherer (Chair), term expires April 1, 2030
  • Robert Pruente, Jr. (Vice-chair), term expires April 1, 2027
  • Cassie Nave, term expires April 1, 2030
  • Haven Herndon, term expires April 1, 2028
  • Lee Argo, term expires April 1, 2028
  • Audrey Elder, term expires April 1, 2028
  • Jason Pearson, term expires April 1, 2028
Advisory Members
  • Sam Rushay, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
  • Kristen Stalling, Harry S Truman National Historic Site, National Park Service

Commission's Work & Outreach Efforts:

Awards
Heritage Commission presents the Preserve Independence Award to Habitat for Humanity Young School.

The Preserve Independence Awards is awarded by the Commission to an individual, organization, or project that displays an exemplary commitment to historic preservation in Independence. 

The inaugural year of the award was 2001.

Find out more about the Preserve Independence Awards here.

Events
Young School preserved classroom at Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity

Each May, during National Preservation Month, the City of Independence celebrates with events highlighting the success and challenges of preserving history. This includes the presentation of a preservation proclamation at the first City Council meeting in May. 

 

Agendas, Minutes & Presentations

Online Boards & Commissions Agenda Search Tool

Past Agendas:

Online Boards & Commissions Minutes Search Tool

Past Minutes: