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Make History Yours

Plan your visit

Dr. Mary Walker's Medal of Honor

Come see Dr. Walker’s U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor in person, now on permanent display at the Richardson-Bates House Museum. Learn more

Keep Our History Alive

Join the Oswego County Historical Society and get exclusive perks like members-only events, free admission, discounts in our gift shop, and more. Become a Member

Shop Historic, Shop Local

We've partnered with Valti Graphics to produce merch perfect for local history lovers. Available in a variety of colors and sizes. Shop online now. Visit the Shop

Leave a Legacy

With a planned gift of stock or bequest in your will, a small act becomes a lasting impact on Oswego County history. Consider a contribution from your estate. Explore Legacy giving

Find Your Volunteer Niche

With opportunities behind-the-scenes and in the spotlight, volunteer at the Richardson-Bates House Museum and inspire our patrons, preserve history, and find your niche. Become a Volunteer
Image dated 1836 of the Market House building along First Street in Oswego, NY. The drawing room piano and paintings wall, as seen from the right.
ABOUT OSWEGO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded in 1896, the Oswego County Historical Society is a non-profit organization that has preserved and promoted Oswego County history for over 100 years. In 1946, the Society received the generous gift of a historic 19th century Italian Villa on Oswego's east side to serve as a permanent headquarters and museum.

The Richardson-Bates House Museum

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Richardson-Bates House Museum is one of the most intact house museums in New York State. It offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of a prominent wealthy Oswego family, and serves as the place where history comes alive in Oswego County.

The museum’s opulent interiors in the first floor period rooms reflect the art and culture of the 19th century Victorian elite. About 90% of the family’s original furnishings and most of the family’s historic and ethnographic collections were included when the house was gifted to the Society in 1946.

Featured Events

2026 Riverside Cemetery Bus Tour

June 14, 2026 13:00
The Oswego County Historical Society, along with the Friends of Riverside Cemetery, will host a guided tour of the historic Riverside Cemetery. Interested members of the public should call Oswego…

2026 Annual Meeting

June 28, 2026 13:00
Join us for our annual meeting! This meeting is open to all members of the Oswego County Historical Society as well as any interested members of the public. There will…
Volunteers and visitors occupy the front and side lawns of the museum of Family Fun Day.
Free

2026 Family Fun Day

August 16, 2026 13:00
Play traditional Victorian games on the south lawn of the museum for free. Ice cream sundaes courtesy of Stewart’s Shops.

Explore the history of Oswego County with Oswego County Historical Society’s educational resources. The material covers a range of topics, including local figures like Dr. Mary Walker and Tudor Grant, political movements like abolition and women’s suffrage, and the impact of industrialization on Central New York. These materials are offered for free to inspire your research, supplement your curriculum, and inspire curiosity in local history.

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