The town's current Wells Historical Society Museum is located on 1430 State Route 30 next to the Wells Municipal Building in the village of Wells, Hamilton County, New York. The building was formerly Orra Buyce's Family Homestead in 1916.

History of the Museum

1968-1970s

Wells' first Historical Society, initially the 1867 Wells Centre Lyceum, held their first meeting in 1968 at the Community Hall. Charter memberships were awarded to nine 75-year-old and older residents: Vern Pelcher, who was the eldest present at 94; Hiram Babcock; Fred Houldy; Frank Girard; Truman Brown; Mabel Hosley; Mabel Earley; Bertha Watkins; and Beatrice Girard. 

A lease from the Town of Wells had been obtained at a nominal rate for the 1926 old school building to be converted into a museum. The school was condemned and torn down in the 1970s.

Officers of the Society

William Aird, President

Jack Potter, Vice President

Mabel Hosley, Secretary

John A. Orr, Jr., Treasurer

Board of Directors: Frank Girard, Bertha Babcock, Shirley Heffernan, Claude Morrison, and Robert Perry.

Members of the 1969 Wells Historical Society are pictured here as follows from L to R: Margaret Toal, Virginia Hosley, Janet Orr, Bill Aird, and Bob Perry. 

1969 Wells Historical Society Member Charter.

Present Day

The current Wells Historical Society Museum became a reality in 2005. Grants provided by Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward, along with a donation from the Town of Wells, assisted the Historical Society with the purchase of the building as well as materials needed for its renovation. Many volunteers donated hours of time and expertise in carpentry, plumbing, painting, sanding, and framing, turning the dream of a town museum into reality. New landscaping, funded by a state Office of Parks and Recreation and Historic Preservation and Beautification Grant secured by Senator Elizabeth O'Connor Little, was designed by Pro Care of Speculator. Gratitude is extended to former Wells Historical Society President Elsie Maile and Jean Frederick to turning the dream of a town museum into reality.

Hours: The Museum is open 11 AM-3 PM upon request on Saturdays from July-Labor Day. Please e-mail Pat Unterborn at TownHistorian@townofwells.org to make an appointment.

Museum Information and to Volunteer/Donate Contact: Pat Unterborn, President and Museum Curator

Wells Historical Society, Inc.

PO Box 65

Wells, NY 12190

E-mail: TownHistorian@townofwells.org