Waynesboro Historical Society Announces Fundraising Campaign
By The Daily Boro Staff
The Waynesboro Historical Society recently announced the launch of its “Endowment and Preservation Campaign,” calling on every member and community supporter to take action now. The goal is to raise crucial funds so the organization can continue serving its important mission.
“We’re excited to kick off our campaign,” WHS President Josh Peters said. “Our goal is to have financial security and expand our community outreach.”
Since 1963, the Waynesboro Historical Society has preserved the stories, landmarks, and artifacts that define Waynesboro’s rich history. With a legacy of honoring the past while inspiring future generations, the non-profit has relied on generous support from the community. WHS invites everyone to participate in this new campaign by joining the organization, making a donation, or volunteering.
The campaign is designed to secure future preservation efforts and also to support ongoing work. This includes maintenance and restoration of WHS’s three local properties: the Oller House (its headquarters), Welty Bridge, and Harbaugh Church.
All three properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Protecting these local landmarks requires constant work and stewardship. The restoration of Welty Bridge alone will necessitate $60,000 in funding.
Public support will also help WHS protect historic artifacts and documents and develop engaging exhibits that tell the story of Waynesboro. The campaign will also fund energy improvements and upkeep of Harbaugh Church and Oller House, and build a sustainable foundation to ensure that WHS’s mission continues for generations to come.
Individuals and businesses can participate in several ways. Membership for individuals is $25 yearly, and families can join for $40. Supporting members ($60) and Sustaining members ($100) demonstrate greater support, and WHS Life memberships are $500. Businesses donate $100 for a yearly membership and can also give larger sums to sponsor WHS’s ongoing projects. All parties can donate in their own names or in memory of a friend or loved one.
Individuals can also show support for the Waynesboro Historical Society by volunteering for special events or to help lead tours at Oller House. The lovely Victorian house is open every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. Several special events will take place in the coming months, and Oller House will be decorated for the holiday season.
By giving to this campaign, Waynesboro is investing in its present and future by sustaining a legacy of preservation that will last. For more information on WHS, call 717-762-1747, visit the website (waynesborohistory.com/about), or email the organization: [email protected].