Sixty Years Of WHS Marked With Gala

Waterville Historical Society will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its founding in 2026.

In 1966, Waterville Times publisher Mary Cleary led the charge to establish the Waterville Historical Society, whose mission has been to preserve and share the rich history of Waterville, Sangerfield and the surrounding area.

To mark this milestone year, the Historical Society is planning special programs to highlight the organization's history and to plan for and celebrate its future.

On April 18, the Waterville Historical Society will host a Spring Gala at Stately on Main, the former Presbyterian Church turned event center.

The gala will be an evening celebration highlighting the Society’s achievements, the area’s history and recognizing past presidents.

A silent auction will be held to support WHS into the future.

Additionally, the Historical Society is embarking on a fundraising campaign.

This is the Fill Our Piggy Bank campaign to build a reserve for the Historical Society’s operations.

President Debbie Conway said, “We have been very successful in raising the funds needed to operate the society each year, but need to build a reserve fund to help when there is an emergency or other unexpected expenses.”

Conway said the goal is to raise $24,000 to hold in reserve.

The Fill Our Piggy Bank campaign seeks donors at a variety of levels.

Playing off the 60th anniversary, the Society has set the goal of getting six donors at $1,000, 10 donors at $600, 60 donors at $100 and 100 donors at $60 which would net the $24,000 sought.

The Society is also hoping to place piggy banks in key locations and businesses through the community for people to drop in their change.

Donations can be given by individuals, families, businesses or anonymously.

Donations can be dropped at WHS, mailed to WHS.

Please reference the Fill the Piggy Bank campaign.