Senate Resolution No. 1528

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING the Waterville Historical Society upon
the occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary in
2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations that embrace the historical significance and contributions
of their localities which strengthen the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Waterville Historical Society upon the occasion of
celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2026; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1966 by Waterville Times publisher Mary Cleary,
the Waterville Historical Society has always been driven by the mission
to document, preserve, and share the rich history of the Village of
Waterville, New York, the Town of Sangerfield, New York, and its
surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, The Waterville Historical Society is fittingly housed in a
building rich in history on East Main Street in Waterville, New York;
and

WHEREAS, Prior to serving as the home of the Waterville Historical
Society, the building at 220 East Main Street in Waterville was first
used in the 1800s by organ builder Alvinza Andrews, and William
Winchell, a member of the Presbyterian Church who is believed to have
been active in the Underground Railroad, and was then converted into a
female academy or girls' school; and

WHEREAS, The building at 220 East Main Street in Waterville later
was purchased by Mary Genevie Green Brainard in 1894, who renovated the
property and donated it to the Waterville YMCA; during this time, the
building had a single-lane bowling alley built in the basement and a
two-story gymnasium attached to the rear of the building, which is
currently used as the Waterville Historical Society's Barton Hall
meeting room and gallery; and

WHEREAS, After the Waterville YMCA vacated the building at 220 East
Main Street in Waterville in 1907, the Waterville Public Library
occupied the building from 1908 to 2006; in 2009, the Waterville
Historical Society officially made its home in this historical building;
and

WHEREAS, In celebration of its 60-year milestone, the Waterville
Historical Society will be hosting special programs to highlight the
organization's history and to plan for the bright future ahead; and

WHEREAS, On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Waterville Historical
Society will host a Spring Gala at Stately on Main, the former

Presbyterian Church turned event center, to celebrate its past, present,
and future; and

WHEREAS, As the Waterville Historical Society looks ahead, President
Debbie Conway has launched a fundraising campaign to expand upon the
organization's reserve funds so it is better prepared for any unexpected
expenses or emergencies that may arise; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 60-year history, the Waterville
Historical Society has demonstrated continuous service to the residents
and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Waterville Historical Society is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated past and present
board members, staff, and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the
Waterville Historical Society may take just pride in its purposeful
growth, as it looks forward to continuing to serve the educational,
cultural, and intellectual needs of the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Waterville Historical Society upon the occasion of
celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2026; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Waterville Historical Society.