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.

    Read More

  • 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.

Lecture ``World War I Commemoration`` November 18

The Oswego County Historical Society will host a lecture entitled “Oswego County World War I Commemoration: Celebration, Remembrance & Reflection” on Sunday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Room of the Oswego Public Library at 120 E. Second St. The event is free and open to the public.

The guest speakers will be Oswego County World War I Commemoration Committee members Dan Allen and Mark Slosek, Oswego City Historian. This lecture coincides with the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, ending World War I on November 11, 1918.
The program will highlight the many significant projects that have occurred to bring awareness and appreciation of the contributions to the “Great War” history in Oswego County. Projects have included a flag program for individual memorial graves stateside and abroad. The committee planned long-term improvement of historic World War I memorials located in parks of the city of Oswego. The program will also focus on some personal stories of the men that served and made the ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom around the world.

The Museum on Facebook