Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown, New York

Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown, New York Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown, New York, History Museum, 228 Washington Street, Watertown, NY.

Founded in 1886, the Jefferson County Historical Society preserves and shares the rich history of Jefferson County, NY through its museum, archives, and exhibits, all located in the historic 1870s Paddock Mansion.

📣 Events, Events, and More Events!If it feels like we're posting event after event, that's because we are! Since reopeni...
06/01/2026

📣 Events, Events, and More Events!

If it feels like we're posting event after event, that's because we are! Since reopening the Paddock Museum, we're thrilled to once again bring programs and special events back to the community. We have a busy season ahead and can't wait to share what's in store!

Thank you for following along as we get our calendar back up and running.

🧸 Make sure you save the date for our annual Teddy Bear Picnic!

Pack your kiddos' favorite teddy bears, grab a blanket and picnic lunch, and join the Jefferson County Historical Society for our Annual Teddy Bear Picnic in the beautiful gardens of the Paddock Mansion!

Children and families will enjoy a morning filled with crafts, games, story time, sweet treats, and our popular Adopt-a-Teddy-Bear activity. It's the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors, make memories, and enjoy the historic setting of the Paddock Mansion.

📅 Sunday, July 26
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Paddock Mansion Gardens, 228 Washington Street, Watertown

Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for Historical Society members. Rain or shine!

RSVP today by calling (315) 782-3491 or emailing [email protected].

We can't wait to see you and your teddy bear for this fun annual tradition! 🧸🧺

Spend the day at the beautiful Paddock Mansion and its historic grounds while shopping from talented local artisans, cra...
06/01/2026

Spend the day at the beautiful Paddock Mansion and its historic grounds while shopping from talented local artisans, crafters, and vendors offering a wide variety of MODERN HANDMADE GOODS. Enjoy the UNIQUE EXPERIENCE of browsing contemporary creations in one of Jefferson County's most elegant Victorian-era settings.

Visitors will have access to tour the mansion, stroll the gardens, enjoy food & music, and discover one-of-a-kind treasures from local makers throughout the day.

📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Paddock Mansion, 228 Washington Street, Watertown
🎟 Admission: $5

Join us for a day of history, shopping, and community at one of the Historical Society's most beloved annual traditions!

Vendor spaces are available—email us for more information: [email protected]

📣 HISTORY HAPPY HOUR IS BACK!Join Us for an evening of captivating local history and cocktails at the historic Paddock M...
05/30/2026

📣 HISTORY HAPPY HOUR IS BACK!

Join Us for an evening of captivating local history and cocktails at the historic Paddock Mansion!

Friday, June 12th at 6PM
$10 Entry
21+ Only

Our first speaker, John Stano , will talk about the story of Pierre Pharoux, The French architect and early surveyor of Jefferson County. Followed by The Crazy Cemetery Lady, Allyson Stephenson, with hidden stories of Jefferson County's historic cemeteries and more!

(Event goes for about 2 hours)

05/30/2026

📣 WE'RE OPEN!

The Jefferson County Historical Society is pleased to welcome visitors back to the Paddock Museum beginning today!

Join us Saturday & Sunday, 10AM - 4PM, and explore the rich history of Jefferson County.

🎟 Free admission all weekend!

📣 Special Announcement! 📣After months behind closed doors, working to strengthen the museum for the future, we are excit...
05/27/2026

📣 Special Announcement! 📣

After months behind closed doors, working to strengthen the museum for the future, we are excited to welcome the community back to the Paddock Museum!

Beginning this coming weekend, May 30th & 31st, the museum will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM throughout the month of June. With free admission for both days this weekend! And, don’t forget, Members of the Historical Society always receive free admission!

We look forward to reopening our doors, sharing our county’s history once again, and welcoming both familiar and new faces through the mansion.

We will be expanding our hours later this summer.
Stay tuned for more updates!

Standing prominently in the west oval park of Public Square in Watertown, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument was erected ...
05/25/2026

Standing prominently in the west oval park of Public Square in Watertown, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument was erected in 1891 to honor the citizens of Jefferson County who served during the American Civil War.

The monument's cornerstone was laid on Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) in 1890 during a ceremony that featured a speech by Colonel Albert D. Shaw. One year later, on June 3, 1891, the completed memorial was formally dedicated before the people of Jefferson County.

Constructed of granite and standing approximately 50 feet tall, the monument is crowned by a 7.5-foot-tall figure known as "Victory". Bronze plaques adorn the east and west sides of the base, while cast bronze figures of a soldier and sailor stand at parade rest on the north and south sides.

On the evening before the dedication, the monument was concealed beneath a massive American flag measuring 36 feet in length. The flag had previously flown from a pole in Public Square when local regiments departed for the war, making it a fitting tribute for the unveiling ceremony.

The memorial was made possible through the generosity of Watertown residents Mr. and Mrs. George Cook, who donated $10,000 toward its construction.

The plaque on the west side reads:

"Mr. and Mrs. George Cooks' Memorial, in grateful memory of the Soldiers and Sailors of Jefferson County who fought or fell in defense of the Union and the freedom of man."

The plaque on the east side reads:

"This monument to witness that these dead have not died in vain and that through them, under God, this nation and a new birth of freedom."

More than a century after its dedication, the monument remains a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by Jefferson County's soldiers and sailors during one of the nation's most defining conflicts.

05/24/2026

History isn't just something we preserve. It's something we continue.

A new chapter awaits behind these historic doors.

Please stay tuned for an exciting announcement! 📣

One of the most beautiful times of year has arrived at the Paddock Mansion. The lilacs are in bloom, and the flowering t...
05/21/2026

One of the most beautiful times of year has arrived at the Paddock Mansion. The lilacs are in bloom, and the flowering trees have transformed the grounds into a canopy of pink and purple blossoms.

Visitors to the mansion have long enjoyed the gardens and landscape that surround this historic home. As the season changes, these blooms offer a reminder that history is not only preserved within our museum walls, but also lives in the gardens, trees, and open spaces that have welcomed generations of Jefferson County residents and visitors alike.

If you're passing by, take a moment to enjoy the colors of spring and the beauty of one of Jefferson County's historic landmarks.

The Paddock Mansion is decked out for the 2026 Watertown Armed Forces Day Parade!We hope you’re out enjoying this beauti...
05/16/2026

The Paddock Mansion is decked out for the 2026 Watertown Armed Forces Day Parade!

We hope you’re out enjoying this beautiful day as our community comes together to celebrate Armed Forces Day and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Address

228 Washington Street
Watertown, NY
13601

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(315)7823491

Website

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