Slide Founded in 1896, the Oswego County Historical Society has preserved and promoted the history of the greater Oswego area for more than 100 years.

In 1946, the historical society received a generous gift of a historic 19th century Italian Villa to serve as the permanent head quarters for a public museum.

Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the Richardson-Bates House offers a unique glimpse of the lifestyle of a wealthy and  prominent Oswego family, as well as a museum dedicated to interpreting the history of the people and places in Oswego County through exhibits and educational programs.

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  • Museum

  • The Richardson-Bates House was built in two stages as a private residence for Maxwell Richardson, a local attorney, real estate broker and two-term mayor of Oswego. In 1867, Max commissioned Rochester architect Andrew Jackson Warner to design the Tuscan Villa style residence for him and his family. The opulent interior decor reflects the 19th century Victorian fascination with art, culture, education and history.

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  • Admission

    • Adults – $8.00


    • Students & Seniors – $5.00


    • Children (6 – 12) – $3.00

    • Children Under 6 – Free


    • OCHS Members – Free


    • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

  • Video

Exhibits

  • The House

    The Richardson Bates House is one of the most intact house museums in New York State with opulent furnishings, artwork and architectural details from the Victorian era. Shown is the drawing room designed by the Pottier and Stymus Company of New York City in the late 1860's.

  • Temporary Exhibit

    Bicycling History in Oswego featuring a painting by Don Gillespie and Norman Bates's bicycles

  • Permanent Exhibit

    Oswego County History timeline traces the people, events, agriculture and industries of Oswego County from our Native American heritage to the 20th century.

Share Your COVID-19 Experience with the Oswego County Historical Society

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone. People have grappled with many changes which quickly altered their daily lives. As a community, everyone learned to adapt to these difficult  times.

This era will be remembered forever, and the Oswego County Historical Society (OCHS) would like to record the stories of those living in it now. This is an opportunity for people to share their unique and extraordinary experiences of this unprecedented time. Their first-hand accounts will be collected and preserved by OCHS and used as research and educational materials, exhibits and digital output.

To submit electronic materials for this project send email to ochs@rbhousemusem.org. Anyone that does not have digital file abilities can send materials by mail to the Oswego County Historical Society, 135 East Third Street, Oswego, New York 13126. For any additional questions about the project or to arrange a method to have files donated and preserved call OCHS at 315-343-1342.

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