Waterford, Maine

Who We Are

The Waterford Maine Historical Society was founded in 1965 to preserve and share the history of Waterford and the wider Maine region. The Society collects historical materials—artifacts, photographs, books, town documents, genealogical files, and other items of local significance—and makes them available for research and education. Our mission is to keep the events, customs, and traditions of Waterford alive for this and future generations.

Publications

The Society publishes a newsletter, The Waterford Echoes, twice a year, featuring articles on local history, families, and events. We also offer several books for purchase, including two town histories and This Is Waterford, a literary compilation of writings about the community.

Meetings and Programs

Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month from June through November, usually at 7 p.m., at various locations around town. The annual meeting in June takes place at the Old Town House, which houses photographs and other archival materials. In addition to meetings, the Society sponsors seasonal programs such as talks, tours, and special events that highlight Waterford’s rich past.

Museums and Collections

The Society maintains two primary historic spaces:

• Old Town House – The historic town house holds photographs, documents, and archives related to Waterford’s civic and community life.

• Mary Gage Rice Museum – Located next to the (Knight) library in Waterford Flat, this house museum preserves household objects and implements that portray village life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum’s collection reflects the daily life and material culture of earlier Waterford families.

Because the Society is entirely volunteer-run, buildings are not open on a regular schedule. However, open houses are held during the summer, and visits can often be arranged by request.

Accessing Our Archives

• By Mail – Inquiries can be sent to:
  Waterford Maine Historical Society
  PO Box 201
  Waterford, ME 04088​

• By Email – waterfordmehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

• At the Library – Computer access to portions of our archives is available at the Waterford Library, including digitized photographs and documents.​

• Online – Selected items from our collections can be viewed here, or through the Society’s historical image archive pages on the Maine Memory Network, where you’ll find images, documents, and short histories related to Waterford’s past.

The Society also maintains a presence on social media and online donation platforms, helping support exhibits, school programs, and community events that share Waterford’s story with neighbors and visitors alike.zeffy+1