Donate
Annual Appeal
The Annual Appeal supports our general operations. By contributing to the Annual Appeal, you will help us “Open the Door to History” by supporting activities such as:
Speaker Series
Walking Tours
Denton Butterfly School Program
Maintenance of the Wellesley History & Exhibit Center and The Tollhouse
Collections care and preservation
We hope that you will help the Wellesley Historical Society continue its important work by supporting the Annual Appeal. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Thank you!
If you wish to send a check, please make your check payable to: Wellesley Historical Society, 323 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
The Legacy Project
Honoring the Past. Inspiring Generations.
The Wellesley Historical Society has launched The Legacy Project, a $3.5 million fundraising initiative to strengthen the Society’s long-term financial stability through permanent endowment support. Building on the successful opening of the Wellesley History & Exhibit Center, this initiative will provide dependable annual funding for exhibitions, educational programs, and the preservation of Wellesley’s historical collections.
Designation of Funds
Donors may direct their contributions toward the areas that matter most to them, including the Society’s highest priorities, exhibitions, education and public programs, or collections preservation.
Donor Restricted Endowment
A donor-restricted endowment provides long-term financial support while preserving the principal of the gift. Investment income provides ongoing annual funding to support the Society’s mission for generations to come.
Naming Opportunities
Legacy giving and naming opportunities allow donors to honor loved ones, celebrate family traditions, or establish a lasting connection to Wellesley’s history through named funds supporting exhibitions, collections preservation, education, and other programs.
Ways to Create Your Legacy
There are several ways to support The Legacy Project, including one-time contributions, multi-year pledges, appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, and planned gifts through wills or trusts. Each gift helps preserve and share Wellesley’s history for future generations.
Ways to Give
Monetary Donation
Donating to the Wellesley Historical Society is an act of preserving and celebrating Wellesley's rich history. Your support enables us to provide educational programs, collect and display our town's artifacts, and foster a deeper appreciation of our shared culture. By giving, you're not just supporting us - you're connecting with our heritage and ensuring its understanding for future generations.
Donate to Collections
The Wellesley Historical Society is always looking for donations to our collections that will enhance and support our mission. Private individuals and organizations have made our collection a valuable repository of Wellesley's history. Some of the important materials we preserve include original architectural plans of historic buildings, family Archives, the Denton Butterfly Collection, the Ester Oldham Lace Collection, maps, newspapers, historic objects, paintings, prints, photographs, textiles, and more.
Please click here to learn more about our Collections.
Donate to tollhouse shop
Moving or Downsizing? The Tollhouse Shop is a great place to donate those items you no longer need or have space to keep. We accept all types of quality household goods including crystal, silver, and silver-plated items, barware, trays, fine china, jewelry, tablecloths, linens, and more. We do not accept furniture, appliances, or any electrical devices. By donating your vintage items to The Tollhouse, you help support a wonderful non-profit organization in Wellesley and receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.
Please click here to learn more about the Tollhouse Shop.
Gift of Securities
A charitable gift from your estate is an efficient and favorable method of giving that enables you to achieve your financial goals and benefit the Wellesley Historical Society at the same time. A planned gift is simple to make and easy to change and does not limit your financial freedom. A trust may offer further tax advantages and efficient control of your assets.
A bequest by will or trust might be right for you if:
You want to make a gift to the Wellesley Historical Society.
You want continued access to your wealth, should you need it.
You are concerned about outliving your resources.
Remembering the Wellesley Historical Society as part of your estate is a wonderful way to make a lasting gift. Large or small, your bequest will make an important contribution to our ability to preserve, care and share the history of Wellesley and to “Open the Door to History”.
Gift by Will or Trust
When preparing to make a gift of stock or securities, please email Executive Director, Audrey Donahue or call 781-235-6690.
Questions?
If you should have any questions about a donation, please email Executive Director, Audrey Donahue or call 781-235-6690. We will be glad to help you.