Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center

Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center Connecting you to Waterford's vibrant past! This page connects you to all the great exhibits and activities happening at WHMCC.

The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center is located in the 1830 Hugh White Homestead. In 1964, this Greek Revival mansion was scheduled for demolition. However, a group of citizens rallied to save the house and move it from Saratoga Avenue to its present location overlooking the Mohawk River and the old Champlain Canal. The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center features a perm

anent exhibition about the history of Waterford, temporary exhibitions related to local history, a Victorian period room, and the George and Annabel O’Connor Library for Local History.

The Museum will be closed 2/9-2/14. We will see you next weekend!
02/09/2025

The Museum will be closed 2/9-2/14. We will see you next weekend!

St. Mary's School- Waterford, NY students designed 200th anniversary Erie Canal stamps today! We had so much fun learnin...
01/30/2025

St. Mary's School- Waterford, NY students designed 200th anniversary Erie Canal stamps today! We had so much fun learning, singing, and dancing with them today. If you want to check out their designs stop by the Waterford Historical Museum Thursday - Sunday 11:00 - 3:00 for their very SPECTACULAR exhibit!

Thanks to the huge crowd that turned out for Russ Vandervoort's lecture last night! Who would have guessed that someone ...
01/23/2025

Thanks to the huge crowd that turned out for Russ Vandervoort's lecture last night! Who would have guessed that someone from Waterford would be friends with a king and turn down the offer of nobility?

There are more stories to learn during our Winter Lecture Series! Mark your calendars for Lauren Roberts presentation next month on the Battles of Saratoga... February 26 @ 6:00 PM

Despite the cold temperatures, Russ VanDervoort's lecture on John House and his family is still happening tonight! Come ...
01/22/2025

Despite the cold temperatures, Russ VanDervoort's lecture on John House and his family is still happening tonight!

Come warm up at the Homestead and hear this amazing untold story of the man who helped erect the First Presbyterian Church of Waterford. Additionally, we have a mini exhibit on display that will come down after the lecture... you don't want to miss it!

Admission is $10. All proceeds go to keeping the Museum open. We will have refreshments and good company.

See you tonight at 6:00 PM at 2 Museum Ln., Waterford, NY.

CALL FOR ARTISTS!WHMCC is seeking local artwork inspired by the Flight of Locks, local festivals, and canal. If this sta...
01/11/2025

CALL FOR ARTISTS!

WHMCC is seeking local artwork inspired by the Flight of Locks, local festivals, and canal. If this statement aligns with you or someone you know, please email the Museum at [email protected].

Send your name, contact information, and description of your artwork. Mediums can include but not limited to photography, paintings & drawings, sculpture, etc.

Please contact the Museum by February 10, 2025.

Our Winter Intern, Michael Munsey, set up his first exhibit today! He pulled items from our collection related to John H...
01/03/2025

Our Winter Intern, Michael Munsey, set up his first exhibit today! He pulled items from our collection related to John House, researched them, and displayed them to support our upcoming lecture with Russ VanDervoort.

Be sure to stop by for the lecture on January 22nd at 6:00 to check out Mike's work and hear the story of John House as told by Russ.

Happy New Year to you all! WHMCC is delighted to announce that Waterford's Historian, Russ VanDervoort will be presentin...
01/02/2025

Happy New Year to you all! WHMCC is delighted to announce that Waterford's Historian, Russ VanDervoort will be presenting at the Museum on January 22nd at 6:00 pm for our Winter Lecture Series.
This portrait of John House hangs in the entryway of the Museum. Who was he? Was he an influence in early Waterford? What about his family... should we know them?
Learn the answer to these question and more on January 22nd at the Waterford Museum. You will be amazed and surprised! Familiarize yourself with the basic plot of "The King and I"
Tickets are $10.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our lecture with Mark Ferrara is postponed this evening. Please keep your eyes open for...
12/18/2024

Due to unforeseen circumstances, our lecture with Mark Ferrara is postponed this evening. Please keep your eyes open for a new date in the new year!

Our Winter Lecture Series will kick off on December 18th at 6:00 PM with guest lecturer Mark Ferrara. His book will give...
12/11/2024

Our Winter Lecture Series will kick off on December 18th at 6:00 PM with guest lecturer Mark Ferrara. His book will give us all plenty of food for thought.

Tickets are $10 and complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Mark will present on his book "American Community: Radical Experiments in Intentional Living".

"In this provocative and engaging book, Mark Ferrara guides readers through an array of intentional communities that boldly challenged capitalist economic arrangements in order to attain ideals of harmony, equality, and social justice. By shining a light on these forgotten histories, it shows that far from being foreign concepts, communitarianism and socialism have always been vital parts of the American Experience."

12/11/2024

Thanks to all who attended our Holiday Book Fair last Saturday! It was wonderful seeing old friends and greeting new faces. If you missed your chance to shop for the holidays we still have plenty of books, toys, ornaments, and glassware available in our giftshop!
🎁🥰🎄

Today is the day! Join us from 4:00 - 8:00 for our Holiday Book Fair!Come meet Mark Ferrara, John Gabriel, Pauline Barte...
12/07/2024

Today is the day! Join us from 4:00 - 8:00 for our Holiday Book Fair!

Come meet Mark Ferrara, John Gabriel, Pauline Bartel, Kathryn R. Biel: Author, Robert Van Alstine, Russ VanDervoort, and Pamela McColl for a festive evening of cozy books.

Our giftshop is filled with holiday goodies like our special edition 60th anniversary ornament, winter greeting cards featuring vintage photos of Waterford, and beautiful prints by local photographer Susan Petrie.

Shop with purpose during Museum Store Sunday! This Sunday, December 1st is Museum Store Sunday and WHMCC will be offerin...
11/30/2024

Shop with purpose during Museum Store Sunday!

This Sunday, December 1st is Museum Store Sunday and WHMCC will be offering a 10% discount on ALL ITEMS in our gift shop. Come grab unique gifts for your loved ones while supporting your local museum.

See you tomorrow!

Looking for something special this Holiday Season? Treat yourself or surprise a loved one with a SPECIAL EDITION ORNAMEN...
11/27/2024

Looking for something special this Holiday Season? Treat yourself or surprise a loved one with a SPECIAL EDITION ORNAMENT!
These are available in our gift shop this season but can also be purchased on December 7th from 4:00-8:00 pm at our Holiday Book Fair!

We are decking our halls & ringing in the festive season with a Holiday Book Fair!Stummed on your holiday shopping list?...
11/23/2024

We are decking our halls & ringing in the festive season with a Holiday Book Fair!
Stummed on your holiday shopping list? Visit the Museum on December 7th to meet some of your favorite local authors who will be signing & selling their books. If that's not enough, our gift shop will have a special edition ornament along with an array of holiday goodies.
We will have an open house this evening so brings the family to view the exhibits decorated for the holidays! Cheers!

We are ONE week away from this awesome event. Come get creative & support the local arts scene!
11/17/2024

We are ONE week away from this awesome event. Come get creative & support the local arts scene!

Join us at the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center for a special Watercolor Workshop led by local artist Rainier Bernhardt! He's an accomplished artist whose work can be seen on some of Troy's electrical boxes. Rainier will guide participants through techniques to create your own watercolor masterpiece.

When: Sunday November 24
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $45 (all supplies included)

Only 10 spots available so reserve your ticket ASAP!

This workshop is open to all skill levels, so come unleash your creativity! Click the link below to purchase your tickets!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watercolor-workshop-at-whmcc-tickets-1075614946259?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us at the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center for a special Watercolor Workshop led by local artist Raini...
11/06/2024

Join us at the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center for a special Watercolor Workshop led by local artist Rainier Bernhardt! He's an accomplished artist whose work can be seen on some of Troy's electrical boxes. Rainier will guide participants through techniques to create your own watercolor masterpiece.

When: Sunday November 24
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $45 (all supplies included)

Only 10 spots available so reserve your ticket ASAP!

This workshop is open to all skill levels, so come unleash your creativity! Click the link below to purchase your tickets!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watercolor-workshop-at-whmcc-tickets-1075614946259?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thanks all who came out to our first ever Cider Fest last Friday! We had a wonderful time enjoying the treats, autumn ai...
10/20/2024

Thanks all who came out to our first ever Cider Fest last Friday! We had a wonderful time enjoying the treats, autumn air, and tunes from our new friend Richie Berger!

Address

2 Museum Lane
Waterford, NY
12188

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+15182380809

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Our Story

The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center is located in the 1830 Hugh White Homestead. It overlooks the old Champlain Canal route, with the old Lock 4 accessible from the museum parking lot for visitors to explore! In 1964, this Greek Revival mansion was scheduled for demolition. However, a group of citizens rallied to save the house and move it from Saratoga Avenue to its present location overlooking the Mohawk River and the old Champlain Canal. The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center features a permanent exhibition about the history of Waterford, temporary exhibitions related to local history, and the George & Anabel O’Connor Research Library and Archive.

From the native inhabitants and early Dutch settlement of the area to today, the museum offers much to learn about Waterford’s vibrant past - the multiple canal systems, the industrial history, Button Fire Engine Co., and much, much more!

The museum is actively engaged in presenting educational programs such as our fourth grade hands-on history experience, Canalways, that introduces students to NYS Canal history. We host an annual Winter Lecture Series and other great programs throughout the year.

Our museum season is May - October, but we’ve expanded hours for our permanent exhibit to include January - April.