A community's memory, kept by its neighbors

Since its inception in 1964, the society's mission has been to gather and disseminate information concerning the history of the town of Williamson, Wayne County, New York — in general, and of the unincorporated hamlet of Pultneyville in particular.

Williamson was established February 20, 1802 and named for Captain Charles Williamson, the land agent originally selected to develop the land, which was part of the Phelps-Gorham purchase. In 1806, the settlement now known as Pultneyville was developed by Jacob Hallet, a land agent for the Pulteney Estate.

Located in the historic district in the hamlet of Pultneyville, the society owns and manages three properties: the Society house, Centennial Park in the center of Pultneyville, and Gates Hall across the street from the park.

Gates Hall, built in 1825 by the community itself, is America's oldest continuously active small community theatre. W-PHS is its sole steward, and the December events on our calendar are part of the bicentennial celebration that began this year.