WAYNESBORO – There’s an organization in Waynesboro that is dedicated to preserving the community’s “rich history.”
In case you haven’t heard, for more than 60 years Waynesboro Historical Society has maintained Waynesboro’s stories, landmarks and artifacts, information that is available when you visit the Oller House, the organization’s headquarters at 138 W. Main St.
Now its leaders need your help to be a part of the next chapter by supporting the historical society’s endowment and preservation campaign, according to Josh Peters, president of the board of directors.
“By giving to this campaign, you are investing in both the present and future of our shared history – creating a legacy that will last far beyond our time,” Peters said.
Every gift will be divided equally, he added, with 50 percent strengthening the permanent endowment fund, providing long-term stability, and 50 percent funding current preservation projects, exhibitions, and programs that bring local history to life.
Contributions are requested by Dec. 15, “to help us plan for the coming year, and allow us to start working on the benefits for your donation,” Peters said.
Funds will be used to protect historic artifacts and documents through preservation initiatives and develop engaging exhibits that share stories of the community, as well as improvements and upkeep of the Oller House, built in 1892, he noted.
Contributions also will be used for other historical society properties, including the restoration of Welty’s Mill Bridge (over $60,000 needed), built over the Antietam Creek around 1856, and energy improvements and upkeep to Harbaugh Church in Washington Township, built in 1892. Peters said funds will be set aside for future acquisitions and to “build a sustainable foundation to ensure our mission continues for generations to come.”
Get involved
Peters, who said he grew up loving history and loves Waynesboro, first became involved in the historical society after attending a members meeting. “Board members got me involved, and I became a board member in 2019 and then I became secretary and then president, in 2023.
“Waynesboro is a fantastic town … the history is rich and the amount of businesses, associations and organizations that have been in Waynesboro is substantial and we need to keep their history alive so that current residents know where we came from. That’s very important so we remember our roots.”
Peters also said “every single contribution is welcome, whether it’s $5 or $25,000 because this campaign is specifically set up to help grow our endowment so that in future years we won’t be heavily reliant on our annual membership drive. The cost of keeping up older buildings is increasing and this will help us get on a financially sure footing.
“When people contribute, they take ownership and become part of it. The campaign is multi-factored. First, you can have pride in your town, second is seeing how much people have given to their community so that we have the great community we have today, and third, if we don’t care about the past how much are we really caring about the present and the future?” he continued.
Peters also encouraged area residents to volunteer at the historical society. “We would welcome even one day a year, or you could host or coordinate an event, give tours, help with the family history center, change exhibits, or help with teas. “If someone is passionate about a topic and they want to volunteer to be a guest speaker, we would provide the advertisement and host at the Oller House.
“The historical society is the citizen’s historical society. It is not just for the members or the boards. We’re here for everybody in Waynesboro and I hope people understand that.”
A number of donor recognition levels are available. For more information, call 717-762-1747 or visit [email protected]
To donate, readers may visit WaynesboroHistory.com/donate.
