The Ginger House Museum Opens in Independence

100 W Moore St. Independence, MO

The Ginger House Museum at 100 W Moore Street, Independence, Missouri, is the birthplace of famed actress, singer, and dancer Ginger Rogers. The Museum opened to the public on August 22, 2018. A ribbon cutting was held by the Independence Chamber of Commerce on August 21.

Marge and Gene Padgitt, of Independence, Missouri purchased the property in February of 2016 and began the restoration process, which was quite extensive. Marge Padgitt is a Ginger Rogers fan and wanted to save the house for the public to enjoy. The Padgitts own several businesses including HearthMasters, Inc., which is a chimney and fireplace restoration company, and Three Trails Cottages, LLC, which is a real estate investment business. Gene Padgitt was the general contractor for the Ginger House Museum project. The interior has been restored to as close to original as possible with the addition of museum displays which include photos, posters, clothing and items that Ginger Rogers owned, and her family history. The exterior of the home and landscaping will be completed in the spring of 2019.

The 1906 home was designated as an Historic Landmark Property by the City of Independence in 1994 when Ginger Rogers visited for her birthday celebration. Mayor Ron Stewart affixed the plaque to the home at that time.

Audrey Elder, author of “Guide to Selling Historic Properties for Real Estate Agents” and 29 historic property books including “100 W Moore Street,” is the manager for The Ginger House Museum. After recently leaving a twelve-year career in real estate, Audrey now teaches continued education about working with historic properties for realtors in Missouri and Kansas, as well as training presentations specific to historic preservation and sustainable community building in historic districts. Audrey served three years on the City of Independence Missouri Heritage Commission, is a member of many local historical societies.

Audrey Elder at the front desk

Museum hours are 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Wednesday – Saturday from April 1 to September 30, and weekends in October through December, and again in February for special holiday theme tours. The museum is open to private group tours by appointment year-round.  

Ticket prices are $8 for ages 13 and up, $6 for seniors, military, fire, and police,and $4 for children aged 5 – 12. The Ginger House Museum hosts the annual Ginger Festival in honor of Ginger Rogers. Plans for the 2019 Festival are underway and include a 1940’s theme, fashion show with Ginger Rogers gowns, a banquet and dance.

Fundraising for the project includes the sale of engraved bricks for the new sidewalks, which will be installed in 2019. Bricks may be purchased for $100. Larger contributions are accepted. The museum has several items for sale including books written by Ginger Rogers, postcards, and milk bottles from her Oregon ranch. 

The museum is seeking volunteer docents to work part time on their own schedule. For more information visit www.thegingerhouse.org or call 816-833-1602. The blog address is www.thegingerrogershouse.blogspot.com, and the museum has a Facebook account where updates are posted.