Westbrook nonprofit dispute escalates after Bucket Brigade members ousted

Westbrook, Maine — A bitter rift between two local nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving the city's past has escalated into a heated dispute that is threatening decades of shared history and prompting calls for legal action.

The Westbrook Historical Society, founded in 1975, and the Westbrook Bucket Brigade, originally formed in 1968 by a group of firefighters to protect antique firefighting gear, have been at odds since early 2024. The conflict erupted after Mike Sanphy, who had served as president of the Historical Society, stepped down and rejoined the Bucket Brigade. In 2022, the two groups agreed to collaborate, operating together out of a community center and jointly pursuing projects such as the restoration of an 1867 horse‑drawn firefighting vehicle.

Tensions rose when the Historical Society’s new leadership, headed by acting president Deb Shangraw, began asserting control over equipment and artifacts that the Bucket Brigade said belonged to them. The Bucket Brigade alleges that the Historical Society launched a “hostile takeover,” confiscating historic firefighting equipment and memorabilia collected over decades. The Historical Society counters that the equipment is legally its own, explaining that the Bucket Brigade previously used the Society’s tax identification number, address, and nonprofit status to solicit donations before gaining its own tax‑exempt status in 2025.

The dispute took a procedural turn on June 25, during the Historical Society’s annual meeting. Twenty‑nine members—also part of the Bucket Brigade—received letters informing them they were no longer considered members in good standing and would be barred from voting. The affected members insist they have not broken any society rules and accuse leadership of discriminating against them because of their affiliation with the Bucket Brigade.

Mike Sanphy, a former president of the Historical Society and current Bucket Brigade member, criticized the developments. “It’s not the historical society any longer,” he said. “They’ve unraveled everything we put together.”

During the meeting, attendees considered a proposal to amend the organization’s bylaws. The existing language stated that any person interested in the Society’s purpose who applied and paid dues would become an Active Member. The amendment would replace that clause with language requiring members to conduct themselves consistently with the Society’s mission and prohibiting disruptive, defamatory, or harassing behavior. The new bylaws also grant the board authority to deny or terminate membership for conduct deemed detrimental to the organization, including defamation or actions that undermine its governance.

Representative Sue Salisbury, D‑Westbrook, who has advocated for the Bucket Brigade in recent months, attended the meeting and described being left “shell‑shocked and devastated.” She highlighted the long‑standing role both groups have played in safeguarding the city’s heritage. “For a long time, the historical society and the Bucket Brigade have been stewards of the city’s history,” Salisbury said. “What’s happening now is breaking that down and ruining years of history and relationships.” She further criticized the proceedings, stating there was “blatant disregard for normative rules of a committee and obvious suppression of alternate views.”

According to the Society’s bylaws, at least 15 members must be present to achieve a quorum. However, after excluding the Bucket Brigade members who were prevented from voting, Salisbury counted only 12 members in the room, raising questions about the meeting’s legitimacy. A reporter attempting to cover the event was turned away by Shangraw, who said the gathering was limited to members. A Westbrook police officer was present during the meeting, and Philip Spiller Jr., a former board member who had previously been arrested on domestic‑violence charges, participated and voted.

The confrontation occurs against a backdrop of broader municipal repercussions. Earlier this year, the Westbrook City Council voted to cut funding to the Historical Society amid the ongoing nonprofit dispute. The Bucket Brigade, meanwhile, continues to seek the return of its artifacts and a new home for its collections.

Efforts to resolve the disagreement have included threats of legal action from both sides. The Historical Society has insisted it acted within its rights, while the Bucket Brigade has maintained it is entitled to the equipment it gathered over many years. Deb Shangraw did not respond to requests for comment following the meeting.

The conflict has drawn attention from local officials and residents alike, who worry that the dispute could permanently damage Westbrook’s ability to preserve its unique history. As the two organizations remain locked in a stalemate, the future of their shared mission hangs in the balance.