The Wendell Museum is the culmination of a twenty-year dream. The Wendell Historical Society was formed in 1968 to preserve Wendell history and to educate the public about the history of the town. In 2016 the Society launched its initial fundraising effort with a reverse raffle. The raffle became an annual event, but although the Society accumulated some funds, they were not enough to start the museum. In 2019, the Town of Wendell gave its support to the museum effort and offered the Society the use of a house that they owned for a lease of $1.00 a year if the building was used as a museum. Suddenly, a museum seemed possible!
In 2021, The Wendell Historical Society formed a Museum Committee. The committee’s first action was to name a chairman. Their second action was to initiate a Capital Campaign. Three members of the committee called on businesses and individuals to give $5,000.00 each to help build a museum. The Town of Wendell and one other donor each gave $25,000.00. These generous donations were followed by twenty-seven contributors at $5,000.00 each. With many contributors for lesser amounts, the largest obstacle was finally removed.
While the fundraising was in process, the Society focused on the house. The outside of the building needed minimal changes. The Society hired G & G Builders to install a handicap access ramp and front porch railings. On the inside, G & G moved doors, repaired ceilings, did electrical work, added light fixtures, and installed a handicap access bathroom. While the work on the structure progressed, committee members explored future exhibits. Once the exhibits were designated, this group undertook research on the topics, searching for photographs and collecting artifacts. Committee members were assigned to specific exhibits.
In early 2022, work began in earnest on mounting the exhibits. The Society hired Design Source to do the graphics for the displays. Sign Solutions provided the backgrounds for the exhibits and William R. Underhill Builders made the panels on which the exhibits would be displayed. Committee members worked closely with these contractors. Everyone wanted a final product of which they could be proud.
The museum opened on June 17, 2022. The exhibits consisted of a brief history of Wendell, a timeline of significant events, early businesses, famous people, agriculture, veterans, schools, churches, and organizations. Initial reactions to the museum have all been positive. After being open for one week, the Society received forty-five (45) applications from those who wanted to volunteer as docents – an amazing show of support from the community for their new museum.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2022 Anthemion Award to the Wendell Historical Society for the Neighborhood and Community Effort Leading to the Establishment of the Wendell Museum.