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.

EVENTS

Free

Oswego County Historical Society Annual Meeting will be Saturday, May 19 at 1:30 pm at the Oswego Elks Lodge, 132 West Fifth Street Guest Speaker — Ann Callaghan Allen, Biographer Presentation Titled: “The Extraordinary Life and Tragic Death of Madame Malvina Dean Guimaraes” An Oswego history account of a rags to riches story more fascinating than fiction. Madame Guimaraes owned the home that now houses the Oswego Elk's Lodge on the corner of West Fifth and W. Bridge St.