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The Mission - The Maumee
Valley Historical Society is dedicated to the
identification, collection, preservation, and interpretation
of the rich and varied evidence of history within the Maumee
Valley. Thus it is committed to the idea that an
awareness of the past is critical to understanding who we
are today. The knowledge that is gained from its
activities is shared with the public through education
programs including exhibits, lectures, and publications.
The Purposes - Discover,
procure, preserve and display whatever may relate to the general
history of the Maumee River Valley; Promote interest in
history among all members and the public; Maintain a library
of historical literature; Encourage the presentation of
books, papers and lectures on subjects of historical and
literary interests; Collect objects of historical interest
and arrange for their preservation and exhibition. The
Opportunities - Members of the Society have many
opportunities to get involved. The following are among
the areas of interest: Wolcott House Museum Complex,
Landmarks Preservation Council, Education Programs,
Northwest Ohio History, Volunteer Opportunities, Local
History Resources & Networking; Toledo's Attic, Special
Events, Speakers Bureau, and Lecturers. ***************************************
The roots of the Maumee Valley Historical
Society go back to 1864 with the formation of the Maumee
Valley Pioneer Association. The founding members were
early settlers of Northwest Ohio, who came together to
protect and preserve the historic artifacts of the Maumee
Valley as well as document information about themselves for
future generations.
Mr. Peter Navarre was the first
president of the Society and served until his death in 1873.
Mr. Horatio Conant served as Vice-President.
The first meeting was held in Toledo, on February 22,
1865, with Mr. Morrison R. Waite of Maumee City, Ohio, as
the guest speaker.
In 1918 the Society became known
as the Historical Society of Northwest Ohio.
The object of the Society was to:
1)
Acquire books, printed papers, and manuscripts,
2)
Encourage writing of books and papers, 3)
Deliver lectures and addresses on subjects of
history, 4)
To collect and arrange objects of historical
interest and provide for their preservation and exhibition,
and 5)
To provide a museum to house these collections
The purpose of the Historical Society
broadened in the late 1950’s when it’s dream of
operating a museum became a reality.
In 1957 Ms. Rilla Hull, the last direct descendent of
James and Mary Wolcott, passed away and left her ancestral
home to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Maumee.
The Church sold the estate to the City of Maumee, who
now leases the property to the Maumee Valley Historical
Society. |
