The Madison County Historical Society’s mission is to preserve, collect, promote and exhibit the history of Madison County and its fifteen towns and one city through the development of programs and events that enhance the county’s heritage for the people of Madison County and those studying the county’s heritage. The society’s headquarters, Cottage Lawn, located in Oneida, is an 1849 Gothic Revival Villa designed by prominent architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Cottage Lawn is preserved and operated as a historic museum.
The Madison County Historical Society has acquired an extensive and diverse collection, documenting 200 years of Madison County’s history. The collection is divided into 3D objects (7,500+), archives (10,000+), textiles (3,500), film/sound recording-mixed mediums (20,000) and photography (4,500+).The most prominent artifact in the collection is its headquarters, Cottage Lawn, a Gothic Revival Villa. There is also a board and batten horse and carriage barn that houses the society’s agricultural collection and permanent hop exhibit.
About Us
The Madison County Historical Society, located in Oneida, NY, is housed in a beautifully designed 19th century Gothic Revival Villa designed by Alexander Jackson Davis who felt that architecture should be in harmony with nature. The brick masonry home has a stucco façade and the characteristic Gothic Revival architectural features of gothic pointed gables, steep high-pitched roofs, and carved verge boards. The museum is furnished with period pieces from the Higinbotham collection along with Madison County artifacts presented throughout the 19th century home. Come tour the historical society’s 5,706 square foot home that has two parlors, a dining room, library/trophy room, kitchen with butler’s pantry, vault, children’s room, grandmother’s room, housekeeper’s room, and changing exhibit room. View what life was like in the Victorian period and learn about Madison County’s heritage. While you are here step inside the agricultural barn to view the hop exhibit and learn about the hop industry in New York State.
The Madison County Historical Society is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10 am –3 pm. Special events are held throughout the year from the Madison County Craft Festival, formerly called Craft Days, held the weekend after Labor Day, Madison County Hop Fest held the second week in September, Cottage Lawn Farmers’ Market (seasonal), and an annual holiday event. Heritage Handicraft Workshops and programs are also offered throughout the year. The Mary King Genealogical and Research Library is open to the public to assist residents in studying Madison County‘s history.
Featured Partner
