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.

Please visit to learn more!

  • 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

    Justin White has created a new exhibit on Dr Mary Walker, Civil War Surgeon, who is the only woman to everm have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

  • 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.

Auburn NY History Tour

$55
Join us for a tour bus excursion to Auburn NY on July 11, 2018.
Bus will leave the Fort Ontario parking lot at 9 AM, travel to Auburn and return by 4:00. The day includes tours of the Seward House and the Harriet Tubman Museum, lunch at Parker's Grille and all transportation costs.
Please call the museum at 315-343-1342 to make a reservation and pay for the tour.