For years the fine people of Monticello and Wayne County believed that a need existed for some formal organization that would lead the way in the preservation of the rich history of their beloved county.  It was not difficult to see that with each passing year, many of the traditions and much of the historical record was being lost.

     That need was met on January 31, 1977, when eleven people met together at the local library and organized themselves into The Wayne County Historical Society.

     The first officers of the Society were:

Martha Phillips--President

Matilda Rankin--Vice President

Elizabeth Duncan--Secretary

Bennie Coffey--Treasurer

     Through the years there have been many people who have given thousands of hours to collect, catalog, and store some of the most important historical documents and artifacts.

     In addition to the many local members, the Society has several "out-of-town" members who find a great satisfaction in maintaining their Wayne County "roots" by supporting the Society.

     The preservation of history is something that everyone should find worthwhile.  That's why we encourage membership in The Wayne County Historical Society.

     The Society has several classes of membership:

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP--$2.00     annual membership fee

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP--$15.00     annual membership fee

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP--$30.00    annual membership fee

CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP--$30.00     annual membership fee

SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP--$50.00     annual membership fee

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP--$500.00     one time payment of membership fee

     All memberships except Lifetime Memberships expire in July of each year.  Those becoming members of the Society from July through December pay the full amount of the annual dues.  Those becoming members of the Society from January through June pay half the amount of the annual dues.  (This does not apply to LIFETIME MEMBERSHIPS since the fee for this classification of membership is always a single payment of a $500.00 at any time in the year.)  Please consider becoming a member of the Society.  For your membership, you will receive the quarterly publication of the Society, OVERVIEW, that contains many interesting articles concerning Wayne County history.  You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping to "Keep Wayne County's PAST In Your FUTURE" and in the future of generations to come.

     You can become a member of The Wayne County Historical Society by making a copy of the membership application and sending it with your membership fee to: THE WAYNE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PO BOX 320, MONTICELLO, KENTUCKY  42633.  You may also click on the link below and supply the information by email.