Our Story.

Built in 1799, the meetinghouse was the center of life in this New England community. It served as a church and the first town hall. In 1986, the building was heavily damaged in a fire. Pictures show town residents and firefighters working to save artifacts from the building. The non profit, The Proprietors of the Ware Center Meeting House, Inc. was formed to oversee the restoration of the building. The Proprietors received a Massachusetts Historical Commission grant to repair the sanctuary walls and ceiling and to restore and paint the outside of the building. Since then, the building has a new roof and museum quality restoration of the kitchen. We also built a shed to replicate a horse shed with recovered wood from the Ware-Gilbertville covered bridge.

A museum under the direction of the Ware Historical Society opened in 2009. Ongoing programs and a summer concert series take place from May to December.

There is still a lot of work to be done. Please join us in restoring this national treasure. To offer talent, time or treasure to support the restoration efforts please call 413-967-7223 or email warecentermeetinghouse@gmail.com.

Thank you!
The Proprietors of the Ware Center Meeting House. 

Meet our Board of Directors

Anthony Swiercz, President
Anthony has been a resident in the town of Ware for 40 years. He is a multi-decade proprietor of the Ware Center Meeting House and Museum. He is a retired instrumental music director with interests in community, golf, fishing, music and real estate.
Martha Rohan, Vice President

Janice Hills, Treasurer

Lynn Lak, Clerk
Lynn Caulfield Lak has been a member of the Proprietors since the beginning, and also served on the first group seeking to restore the building, The Friends of the Ware Center Church. She is the current chair of the Ware Historical Commission. Lynn is a retired special education teacher with a passion for history. She serves as the clerk for the Board of Governors.

1986 Fire - Landmark Damage

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Support

With your donations we can continue our journey to restore our historic meeting house.   Donate.
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Membership

Enjoy the benefits of membership and together we can preserve our history.  Become a Member.
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Wish List

By giving to the Ware Center Meeting House and Museum's wish list, you can make a tangible difference.  Wish List.
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Volunteer

Make a difference. Have fun while you share your time, talent, and expertise with us.  Volunteer.