The purpose of this society shall be to stimulate and aid research in the local and general history of Waltham, by collecting and preserving such manuscripts, documents, mementos and relics as relate thereto; by collecting and preparing genealogies of Waltham families; by preparing or causing to be prepared from time to time, papers and records relative to those subjects which are or may be of general interest; by aiding in the preservation of buildings, monuments and other objects of historic interest, and by such other means as shall be deemed fitting.