Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown, New York

08/30/2026

08/29/2026

Our 1st Annual Summer Bash starts now! Come down and see us!

08/26/2026

📣 We’re still raising funds to help repair the historic Paddock Barn!

Built in the late 1870s, the Paddock Barn and Ice House have stood for nearly 150 years and are an important part of the Jefferson County Historical Society property. Our immediate goal is to raise the funds needed for a new metal roof to protect the building and the historic items housed inside.

We’re hoping to have the new metal roof installed before the winter weather arrives, so every donation, no matter the size, helps bring us closer to getting this much-needed work completed.

The image below includes information on how you can donate.

Please keep in mind that our public hours will be changing after Labor Day. Our new Fall Hours will be Friday through Monday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Your continued support helps us preserve this historic property and the pieces of Jefferson County history entrusted to our care!

08/24/2026

The Summer Bash at the Mansion is happening this Saturday!

Join us at the Jefferson County Historical Society for a fun evening at the historic Paddock Mansion featuring local vendors, Tarot & Oracle readings, a relaxing sound bath & meditation, and more.

Come explore the mansion, support local vendors, and enjoy a unique summer evening with us!

Saturday, August 29
10am - 4pm
$5 admission

We hope to see you there!

08/23/2026

New Fall Hours Begin in September!

Starting after Labor Day weekend, the Jefferson County Historical Society will be moving to our new Fall Hours:

Friday – Monday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

These expanded weekend hours will continue through mid-November, when we transition to our Winter Hours.

We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors throughout the fall, including during the upcoming North Country Art Show and our other seasonal events.

Come spend part of your weekend with us at the Paddock Mansion!

08/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out today for our History & Genealogy Fair, held in partnership with the Flower Memorial Library!

We enjoyed welcoming visitors to connect with local historical societies, share stories, explore family history, and learn more about the history of our area.

A special thank you to our guest speakers, Dr. Laurie Rush, Baylor Durant, and Dr. Jason White, for sharing their knowledge and giving wonderful presentations throughout the afternoon.

We are also very grateful to all of the local historical societies and organizations who participated, and to the Flower Memorial Library for working alongside us to make this event possible.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support local history. We hope you enjoyed the afternoon with us!

08/19/2026

Don’t forget! The History and Genealogy Fair is this Saturday, August 22, from 11 am to 2 pm!

Join us to explore local history, learn more about climbing your family tree, tour the historic Paddock Mansion, and hear from three guest speakers:

• 11:30 a.m. — Dr. Laurie Rush: Geology and Immigration to Northern New York
• 12:30 p.m. — Baylor Durant: Preserving Jefferson County’s Past: 140 Years of the Jefferson County Historical Society
• 1:30 p.m. — Dr. Jason White: History of Watertown, New York

Admission is $5 per person. The fair will be held at the Jefferson County Historical Society, 228 Washington Street in Watertown.

This event is held in partnership with the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library. We hope to see you there!

08/15/2026

If you are looking for something a little different to do today, stop by the Sixtown Meeting House, 29 E. Church St in Adams. They are having a Tyler Coverlet display. These were made by Harry Tyler from circa 1835-57 in the Henderson/Smithville area. That these creations have survived nearly 200 years is incredible!