Jefferson County Historical Society
The Jefferson County Historical Society, founded in 1886, is the primary organization in Jefferson County, New York that collects artifacts, books, and documents that reflect the entire history of the county, including every geographical area and every chronological period. We preserve the history that makes Jefferson County a special place to live, work, and visit. Originally housed in the Flower Memorial Library, today the Society is located in the beautiful 19th century Paddock Mansion.
The Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization chartered by the New York State Department of Education. Governance of the Society is by a Board of Trustees and the day-to-day operations are managed by the Society/Museum staff.
The Society and its programs are supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York Council for the Humanities, the City of Watertown, and Jefferson County, New York. Please tell your state and local legislators that you value their support of culture and the arts.
Since its founding in 1886, the lifeblood of the Society has been its members, volunteers, and visitors. Your membership fees, admission fees, gifts, trust funds, grants, and volunteer hours ensures that the Society will continue to fulfill its mission of preserving the past for future generations.
Paddock Museum
Home of the Jefferson County Historical Society
The Paddock Mansion
The Jefferson County Historical Society Museum is housed in the historic Paddock Mansion in downtown Watertown, New York. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, it was formerly the home of local banker Edwin L. Paddock and his wife, Olive (Wheeler).
The home was designed in the Eastlake tradition by architect John Hose, and combined Tuscan Villa elements "for him" and Swiss Chalet "for her". It was built between 1876 and 1878 by John Griffin. Mrs. Olive Paddock bequeathed the home to the Society in 1922, and it opened as a museum in 1924.
Explore Related Categories
