The Waynesboro Historical Society held its annual meeting, welcomed new board directors, and hosted a member appreciation event at Oller House
By Robb Helfrick
The Waynesboro Historical Society celebrated another successful year at its Oller House headquarters on May 16, hosting a member appreciation reception while also conducting the organization’s annual meeting. WHS began its stewardship in 1963, and for over 60 years, the society has strived to preserve landmarks, structures, artifacts, and historic documents/photographs in the Waynesboro area.
“It’s been a great year,” WHS President Josh Peters said after the meeting. “During the last year, our activity level has grown. We had 50 to 80 people attend various events, many who came to Oller House or Harbaugh Church for the first time. WHS also completed significant restoration work.”
The Oller House, located at 138 W. Main Street, sported a festive air for WHS’s annual open house/meeting. The event entertained members, docents, and WHS’s board of directors. Attendees enjoyed sweets and refreshments while roaming among antique furnishings and admiring the handsome walnut woodwork that decorates the house.
As a result of the annual meeting, the organization retained its leadership, re-electing Josh Peters as President, Don Embly as Vice President, Sheila Eyler as Treasurer, and James Wyrick as Secretary.
WHS elected two new board members. Lara Lutz and Megan Helfrick will serve their first term on the advisory panel. They join existing board members Lesley Quesada, Molly Peters, Pamela Berry, Heather Burns, and Stephen Berry (along with the previously mentioned officers) to lead the organization into the future.
Reviewing the prior year, President Peters was enthusiastic about the organization’s progress. Among the accomplishments he cited during 2025-26 were scanning and cataloging 6,500 historic photos in WHS’s Ringer Photographic Archive, a picture-oriented presentation to Leadership Franklin County, hosting high school tours of Oller House, and a 9/11 presentation at the Waynesboro Theatre. Peters also mentioned WHS’s successful Christmas Open House, a well-attended lecture featuring vintage photographs held at the YMCA, and hosting Christmas and Easter services at Harbaugh Church
As the caretaker for three National Register properties (Welty’s Bridge, Oller House, and Harbaugh Church), WHS made several improvements and repairs in the past year to maintain these historic structures.
At Oller House, the front porch was repaired to eliminate insect and water damage, the rear foundation was strengthened, a back ramp was installed, and an attic A/C unit is now being replaced. Additional wood repairs corrected issues with windows, front steps, and a second-floor porch. Security cameras were also installed around the group’s headquarters. Peters said proper upkeep requires constant vigilance with a historic property like Oller House, a Victorian-era, Queen Anne-style architectural gem built in 1892.
Another WHS property, Harbaugh Church, suffered weather damage to its front door. WHS repaired it and made several upgrades to that entryway to prevent future problems. An anonymous donor gave WHS funds to purchase a new sound system for the church. That audio equipment will enhance the experience for groups that rent the church for weddings or other special events.
During the past year, WHS also participated in several community events, including hosting Trick-or-Treat on Halloween evening at Oller House and taking part in Waynesboro’s Downtown Business Stroll.
Last year also marked the first capital campaign/endowment fundraiser in WHS history. Peters said the endeavor exceeded expectations by raising over $38,000. The organization plans to initiate a similar public appeal in 2026.
Since WHS has no paid staff, Peters reminded the public that the organization relies on a dedicated group of volunteers. “We’re thankful for everyone who helps our society continue its mission. We couldn’t maintain these programs and properties without our volunteers,” Peters said.
WHS encourages new memberships and stresses that there are always opportunities for rewarding volunteer work at Oller House and its other properties. Recent projects include seasonal work in ‘Rello’s Garden,’ a remnant landscape preserved in memory of Rello Oller, who bequeathed her long-time family property to WHS in 1996.
For more information about upcoming programs, to view the Luty vintage postcard collection, to learn more about WHS’s three historic properties, or to join the organization, visit the group’s website: waynesborohistory.com, call 717-762-1747, or visit Oller House on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
