“The modernity of yesterday is the tradition of today, and the modernity of today will be tradition tomorrow.” Jose Andres

Tradition is a beautiful thread that weaves itself throughout the tapestry of human history. It binds our past, guides our present, and helps to shape our future. At one end of the spectrum, it is the preservation of our identity. Traditions are a bridge that connect the past to the present and offer a window into the lives of those who came before us. At the other end of the spectrum, tradition isn’t stagnation, but rather a foundation for innovation. It helps us to embrace the possibilities for the future and thus transcend time. 

Ever-changing traditions have found a welcome home here at The Independent. We have chronicled the history of Kansas City with many memorable occasions, such as the opening of Union Station and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. We have celebrated the momentous achievements of everyday people through births, college journeys, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and business accomplishments, in addition to galas and events. The magazine shows not only the changing of the world through prices, advertisements, and funny quips, but it also shows the impact that individuals had on Our Town, the region, and the world. 

This year, The Independent turns 125 and we celebrate our quasiquicentennial. We are excited to share this occasion with our subscribers, friends, advertisers, and loyal readers. Although it is a significant milestone, it is more than just a numeric accomplishment. It is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and enduring love of Kansas City that have defined The Independent’s path for more than a century. It is a celebration of the traditions that have anchored us here and the progress that has propelled us forward. To commemorate 125 years of our history, we are excited to share snapshots through time with you in every issue. We have been thrilled to comb through our archives to find fun things to delight you all. We will acknowledge achievements and milestones celebrated by other organizations, along with the contributions of individuals, to illustrate the evolution and innovation of Our Town over the last 125 years. As we honor the traditions that have shaped our foundation for success, we want to revel in the lessons learned and the legacy that we continue to build. A legacy that we hope resounds for many years to come.