named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Fatzinger Hall Events
Historic theater space used for lectures, plays, weddings, movie showings, and open mics; available free during library hours with fees for after-hours use
History Around Town! Educational Series
Video series highlighting local historical topics including the Waterloo Wagon Company, Maple Grove Speedway, and Belva Lockwood’s presidential campaign
National Memorial Day Museum
Exhibit at 35 East Main Street dedicated to the founding of Memorial Day, honoring Henry C. Welles and General John B. Murray; open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Summer Reading Programs
Annual reading programs for children and adults held during summer months, promoting literacy and community engagement
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Memorial and Veteran Honor Services 4 activities
- Advocate for official recognition of Waterloo as the birthplace of Memorial DaySecured formal recognition from the State of New York and the U.S. Congress in 1966 affirming Waterloo, NY as the official birthplace of Memorial Day.
- Educate the public on the founding of Memorial Day and the service of American veteransOffers educational programming focused on the origins of Memorial Day, particularly its founding in Waterloo, NY, and honors the service and sacrifice of American veterans through curated content and public engagement.
- Host annual Memorial Day ceremonies and community observancesOrganizes and hosts formal, community-wide Memorial Day observances annually since 1866, including processions and the decoration of soldiers' graves in three village cemeteries.
- Preserve and share the historical origin of Memorial DayConducts and disseminates research on the founding of Memorial Day, including its origin in a conversation by local druggist Henry C. Welles in 1865, and maintains historical records related to its establishment in Waterloo, NY.
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Local History Preservation and Education 2 activities
- Operate a full-service library and historical experience for patrons of all agesProvides library and historical programming for patrons of all ages, including educational initiatives and community engagement focused on local history and citizenship. The library, established in 1875, continues to operate under its original charter.
- Preserve local history through the Waterloo Historical SocietyFounded and supports the Waterloo Historical Society to preserve the early history of the village, including archival and educational efforts.
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Library and Community Facility Renovation 1 activity
- Expand and maintain museum and library facilitiesBuilt the Terwilliger Museum addition in 1960 to house growing collections and launched a capital campaign in 2006 to restore and modernize the historic library building, including updates to the roof, stained glass, and mechanical systems.
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Summer and Seasonal Reading Programs 1 activity
- Offer summer reading programs for the communityProvides summer reading programs designed to engage community members of all ages in literacy and learning activities.
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Performing Arts Venue Rental 1 activity
- Operate a historic theatre for public eventsManages a historic theatre with stadium seating for up to 145 people, available during library hours for public use including lectures, plays, weddings, movie showings, and open mics.
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Local History Museum Operations 1 activity
- Operate the National Memorial Day MuseumManages the National Memorial Day Museum annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day, open Thursday through Saturday (noon–5 PM), with additional tours by appointment. The museum, acquired in 1966, houses records and mementos related to Memorial Day and war veterans.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Erect and maintain monuments to honor historical figuresInstalled the Red Jacket Monument near Canoga in 1891 to mark the birthplace of Seneca Chief Red Jacket and the Lafayette Monument in 1922, serving as enduring tributes to significant historical individuals.
- Publish historical research on regional significancePublished a full account of the Sullivan Campaign in 1879 to commemorate its centennial, contributing to the historical record of regional military history.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$410K
Contributions & grants$80K20%
Program service revenue$320K78%
Investment income$2K1%
Other revenue$7K
expenses
Total expenses$417K
Program expenses68%
Admin / overhead20%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$207K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$2.49M
Cash$476K
Investments$761K
Liabilities$8K
Net assets$2.48M
Liquid reserves35.6 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -2.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CYNTHIA PARK | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $66K |
board members · 9
- AJ TRAHMS — BOARD MEMBER
- ALEXA TRUMBLE — BOARD MEMBER
- COREEN LOWRY — PRESIDENT
- DENISE OSBORNE — BOARD MEMBER
- DUKE ARGETSINGER — BOARD MEMBER
- JAMES HUGHES — VICE PRESIDENT
- KAREN BURCROFF — BOARD MEMBER
- KATHY CHASE — TREASURER
- LYNN PATTI — SECRETARY
relationships · 6
Who they work with
- Finger Lakes Library System (FLLS) Network — Member of the Finger Lakes Library System, as indicated by shared catalog access and FLLS-branded library cards.
- PayPal Partner — Processes online donations for the organization.
- State of New York Government — Recognized Waterloo, NY as the birthplace of Memorial Day through a 1966 gubernatorial proclamation.
- United States Congress Government — Officially recognized Waterloo, NY as the birthplace of Memorial Day through unanimous passage of House Concurrent Resolution 587 in 1966.
- Village of Waterloo Government — Acquired the Memorial Day Museum from the Village of Waterloo in 1966.
- Waterloo Library & Historical Society Network — Member of the network of historical societies preserving local heritage in New York State
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Led Commemorationmethodology: community-led commemorationBy organizing civic observances through community-led committees, the organization sustains national historical traditions at the local level because local ownership increases authenticity, participation, and long-term continuity of commemorative practices.
- Place-Based Historical Educationmethodology: place-based historical educationBy anchoring educational programming in the local historical significance of Waterloo as the birthplace of Memorial Day, the organization fosters civic engagement and strengthens community connection, because shared history serves as a foundation for collective identity and active citizenship.