WALTHAM 125TH: Preserving our city's rich history

Several prominent Waltham businessmen gathered in 1913 and founded an historical society to preserve and promote the history of their city.

Each month a member would research and present a paper on a topic, first in a member’s home, then at the new Waltham Public Library. For 96 years this practice has continued, and much of the rich history of this city has been documented. Over the course of the years the Society has published some of the research. This includes publications like "The Waltham Common" and lectures by Dr. Alfred Worcester.

The dozen or so charter members have grown to over 300 in the intervening years. The predominantly Yankee Society has expanded to include every ethnic group which settled in the city, and welcomes recent immigrants to learn about their new home.

Currently the Waltham Historical Society presents a lecture every other month on either an aspect of Waltham history, or how Waltham fits into the nation’s history. Through the generosity of Fred Kimberk, office space at 760 Main St. has allowed us to open an exhibit area to display photos and artifacts from our collection. Illustrating various aspects of Waltham’s history, from the Training School for Nurses to the Waltham Watch Company (to name just two), are open to the public. The scheduled openings are posted on the Waltham Historical Society’s Web site, www.walthamhistoricalsociety.org.

Additional community support has been forthcoming from the RTN Federal Credit Union. RTN has hosted our Edmund L. Sanderson Lecture Series for the past three years at their Community Room, located at 600 Main St. The series honors Edmund L. Sanderson, a founding member and longtime officer of the Historical Society. Recent lectures have included topics ranging from local weather phenomena and the Watch Factory, and future lectures that will cover Waltham’s part in the Civil War, and continue to include America’s Technology Highway, Rte. 128.

For 96 years the Society has sought a permanent home for its collection of important items. Those items in the collection of the Society include the sword carried by Nathaniel P. Banks, governor, state representative and Civil War general. We also have hand-stitched samplers created in the 18th century, newspapers from the mid-19th century, and correspondences on the photographic works of Henry F. Warren.

The Waltham Historical Society is looking forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013, and looks forward to beginning the journey of the next 100 years.

Annual Society membership dues are $25 for an individual, and $30 for a family membership. Applications can be acquired by sending an e-mail to waltham.historical.society@gmail.com, or by phoning the Society at 781-891-5815. Applications and checks can be sent to the Society’s headquarters at 190 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453.

For more information about the Waltham Historical Society, visit the Web site, send an e-mail, or call 781-891-5815.

Wayne McCarthy and Sheila FitzPatrick are co-presidents of the Waltham Historical Society.