The Guilderland Historical Society

The Guilderland Historical Society began developing as an organization at a meeting of interested people on September 15, 1971. In a few short months, a committee was formed, a constitution was prepared and adopted, officers were elected, and the Society began officially January 1972. Fred B. Abele was the first President and led residents through the organizational development. The group was issued a temporary New York State Board of Regents Charter in 1974 and received an Absolute Charter July 29, 1977. The Society is a 501c3 charitable organization.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month from February through May and September through November. Meetings are usually held at 7 pm at the historic circa 1802 Mynderse-Frederick House in Guilderland Center. However, meetings are at times moved to other locations including Town Hall and the Guilderland Public Library. In June, the membership and friends of the society visit a site or location of historical significance. Visits have included Grant’s Cottage, Schuyler Mansion, Schoharie Crossing Historic Site, The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, NYS Archives, and The Mabee Farm.

MISSION:

The mission of the Historical Society is to promote a general interest in the history of our town through writings, programs, photography, and other means.

GOALS:

The goals of the Society are to stimulate an appreciation of the historical heritage of the Town of Guilderland; discover, collect, and preserve materials which will illustrate the history of the Town of Guilderland; bring about the preservation of historic buildings, monuments, and sites; and disseminate historical information. 

VISION:

The Guilderland Historical Society will be a vibrant, highly regarded community organization, appealing to people of all ages, and widely supported in the town. We will be valued for collections, our website, and our engaging programs that present, interpret, and preserve our history. We will continue to encourage connections to our past to inform our responses to contemporary issues.