Assembly Resolution No. 1144

BY: M. of A. Miller

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of the
Waterville Historical Society, recognizing its
decades of dedicated service to the Village of
Waterville and the Town of Sangerfield

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those organizations whose purpose and accomplishments contribute
to the preservation of local heritage and the enrichment of their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Anniversary of the Waterville Historical Society,
recognizing its decades of dedicated service to the Village of
Waterville and the Town of Sangerfield, to be celebrated with a 60th
Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026; and

WHEREAS, The Waterville Historical Society was founded in the fall
of 1966 through the leadership of Mary Cleary, Town Historian and owner
of The Waterville Times, with an initial meeting attended by
approximately 40 community members who voted to establish the Society;
and

WHEREAS, For 60 years, the Waterville Historical Society has
remained steadfast in its mission to collect, preserve, and make
accessible materials, which document the history of the Village of
Waterville and the Town of Sangerfield, for the benefit of the community
and future generations; and

WHEREAS, The Society fulfills its mission through the operation of
its Library and Archives, educational programs, exhibits, and online
resources while also advocating for the preservation of historic
structures and fostering an appreciation for local history among
residents; and

WHEREAS, Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors and elected
officers, the Waterville Historical Society has operated from several
locations throughout its history and, since 2009, has been proudly
housed in its current facility at 220 East Main Street; and

WHEREAS, The Society's building holds significant historical
importance, having been associated with organ builder, Alvinza Andrews,
utilized as a female academy, and later transformed into a YMCA
facility, featuring an early basketball court, before serving as the
Waterville Public Library for nearly a century; and

WHEREAS, The building also bears connections to the Underground
Railroad through William Winchell, reflecting the rich and multifaceted
history preserved within its walls; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, the Waterville Historical Society acquired this
historic structure and adapted it into a museum and archive with the
support of the Village of Waterville and generous community donors; and


WHEREAS, The Waterville Historical Society will commemorate this
significant milestone with its 60th Anniversary Gala on April 18, 2026,
celebrating its enduring contributions to 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 its 60th
Anniversary, and to honor its longstanding commitment to preserving the
history of the Village of Waterville and the Town of Sangerfield; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Waterville Historical Society, the Village of
Waterville, and the Town of Sangerfield.