The Waterford Historical Society being established in 2000 by our charter members are pictured below.
They formed unofficially in 1985. It was written,” they saw a need for creating a living museum to preserve the local, colorful heritage of our community”. “The goals set before us have been to develop a place where items can be displayed and to create an on-going educational entity to be enjoyed and appreciated now and for many years to come.” For our museum., the purchase of the old Grange Hall allowed those dreams to become reality. The city of Waterford purchased the Grange Hall #553. Joslin Realty and the Waterford Historical Society assisted in that transaction. It was stated, “we will continue to try to develop and create a viable and quality local Museum to be cherished in Waterford and beyond. In the spring of 2001, the doors were opened and the community was invited in. The rest is history.
Since 2002, our local schools have made annual field trips to the museum studying local history. Items, displays have helped them make connections between the past and present.
Another annual event since 2003, ‘ Remembering Our Veterans’ depicts the gratitude we have for our Veterans.
In 2012, with 600 people in attendance a special program May we Never Forget was organized by Joshua Whitefield. Stone and metal framed plaques were created. Names of our soldiers were etched in stone by Ray Main of Hickman. These men and women who served our country from the Waterford-Hickman areas served during war times and peace times. The Veterans exhibit permanently stands between our new Waterford Police Station and City Hall on E Street.
What is current at the museum?
Veterans Day will be Saturday, November 9th, from 11:30am-2:00pm. A program/flag retirement and lunch Lunch tickets are now available for a $12.00 donation. Veterans eat free.
We are developing a web site as of 2024. A new endeavor and challenge for the Waterford Historical Society. But an exciting time as well. With our Web site and social media, we have greater access for communication and availability. And the opportunity to research a wealth of information for answers but, provide yet more questions from the past to investigate. A way to appreciate and expand our knowledge and our displays of local history.
Now, twenty- four years later, we intentionally work to live up to those expectations of the charter members. With donations from our community members and organizations and businesses we strive in making a living museum that continues to concentrate on the people. The makeup of the community members make-up the town. The population was very diverse, providing the colorful heritage that made Waterford unique.
Today, we are working on funding for the museum. Our fiscal year just started last month, a great time to join in and get on the ground floor of technology and stay up on what’s current.