As the year 2007 drew to a close we awaited the arrival of materials to replace the roof on the Lapham Park Building. Every storm required checking the attic and moving pails and plastic sheeting. Concern for the safety of collections stored on the 2nd floor increased with each passing month.

The Alarm and Security System were replaced. The Emergency Preparedness Plan for the Museum was completed and a Training Program was held in June for all volunteers. A grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities enabled the Museum to develop the plan and print Training Materials. The Historian's Office underwent extensive repair and renovation.

With the approval of the Webster Town Board who first published Esther Dunn's book "Webster Through the Years", the Museum reprinted Miss Dunn's volume about Webster's early history. The book is available in the Museum Gift Shop. There are no changes to Miss Dunn’s original text. The book has been digitalized and is now in a paperback format.

The Museum presented an increased number of activities, exhibits and speakers this year. Webster and the Civil War, Cameras, Attic Treasures, and Depression Glass were part of a series of Sunday afternoon programs. The "History and a Cup" Luncheon series drew Standing Room Only crowds during May. Village Days found boys and girls playing Pioneer Games in the Parking Lot. The now famous Village Days Boutique attracted visitors of all ages. Over 600 children, moms, dads and grandparents came to our Halloween Celebration. Cynthia Howk from the Landmark Society talked about "Homes Along Lake Road" during Preservation Month. The Annual Festival of Trees and the display of the Burkhardt Crèche were part of the Holiday Season.

On site visits to community groups and classrooms provide information about Webster's History to community members who are not able to travel to the Museum. School Tours bring many young visitors to the Museum. Visits to class room enhance a particular area of interest. Groups beyond the town lines visited the Museum. Articles from our collection were included in an exhibit which was a highlight of the national biannual meeting of Historical Society of Early American Decoration held in Rochester. The location of the Museum's display case in the Public Library changed due to the rebuilding of the Library entrance. We hope that you have found us right in the center of the library, opposite the entrance to the children's area.

The Historic Properties Committee worked in partnership with the Webster Town board to preserve, recognize and document historic resources in the town. The committee identified outstanding historic properties for recognition by the Town in the near future. This is a major step in the interpretation of the Mission statement of the Webster Museum and Historical Society which is to stimulate interest in the heritage of Webster as well as to display articles of historic interest. Working wit the Town Board a demolition notification policy was implemented, assuring that the historian will be able to photograph all buildings scheduled for destruction, thus providing a photographic record of Webster's history.

Visitors and Volunteers increased this year. Volunteers are the foundation of the organization and operation. The hours of time and effort contributed by them is enormous. The program for 2008 is an ambitions one and we have interesting jobs for volunteers. There is room on many of our committees for additional members.

Looking ahead to 2008, you will soon find the Museum "on the Web" at www.webstermuseum.com. with information about current programs, exhibits and more about Webster's history from our resources as well as pictures from Historian Lynn Barton's file of photographs. Increased programming, special summer events for boys and girls, and resources which are available for you to use are in our plans. Last, but not least, The Museum looks forward to assuming ownership of the building at 18 Lapham Park.