City of Stafford appoints its first official historian: a 78-year-old who lived there most of her life

Sadie Williams served as president of the Stafford Historical Society since 2008 and has helped the city get markers from the state for local historic sites, such as the Court Hardware Company and the school district.

Stafford City Council has honored one of its long-time residents, recognizing her as the city's official historian for her work on researching and preserving the city's past.

79-year-old Sadie Williams was born and raised in Stafford, and has lived in the city most of her life.

When Stafford fought to form its own school district in the 1970s and 1980s, Williams began collecting newspaper clippings to create a scrapbook commemorating the history.

She's served as president of the Stafford Historical Society since 2008 and has helped the city get markers from the state for local historic sites, such as the Court Hardware Company and the school district. She also co-authored a book about Stafford's past.

Williams says her love of history started in high school.

"I had a wonderful English teacher and she always said ‘History is not history unless it’s preserved,'" Williams said.

Williams said it's "an honor" to be recognized by the council as the city's official historian.

"Stafford has a very colorful history," she said.

Council member Virginia Rosas, who proposed the resolution, said Williams is the first official city historian to be recognized by the council.

"She's provided so much for the city, and it's time that the city recognize her for all the contributions that she's given us," Rosas said.