Port William Historical Society

Founded in 1958



Our society is charged with keeping history alive in the county. It's main project has been the restoration and continued care of the Masterson House, grounds, and Masterson Cemetery (on the grounds). The house was built circa 1790 and is located on Highland Avenue (US 42 West) across the street from Arkema. We have recently "adopted" the Gaunt-Hawkins Cemetery on Highland Ave. at the junction of Highland and Park Aves. as one of our projects.

We have been awarded two grants this year for some major repairs and maintenance for the Masterson House. These  repairs will begin after September 17th.

Our fall Heritage Day  is Saturday, September 17 at Masterson House, hours from 11- 4.  We will have demonstrators of traditional crafts; a historical skit performed by our local Junior Historical Society, and the house is open for tours. A local cub scout troop will be camping for the week-end on the grounds as well. There is no charge for this and the public is invited and very much welcomed.

The society meets the third Tuesday of most months at the Masterson House at 7:30 in the evening.
Annual membership is $10/year and we are actively seeking new members. We are not online and have not published any articles, nor do we have a newsletter. We have some paper records on site and keep some of the scrapbooks and memorabilia for various groups in Carroll County stored at the house (The Carrollton Women's Club scrapbooks, recently moved from the Carroll County Public Library.)

Masterson House is open to the public every Saturday in the summer until Labor Day. Private tours can be arranged by contacting one of the officers. The house can also be rented for special occasions such as small weddings or baby showers.

If anyone would like additional information, please contact, Karen Claiborne, kfclaiborne@yahoo.com.
 




Our current officers are: Nancy Jo Grobmeyer, President; Karen Claiborne, Vice-President;
Carolyn Stout, Treasurer; Robin Caldwell-Welch, Recording Secretary; Charles French, Corresponding Secretary.

The first President of the Society was Elmer Wallace.