Tour The Museum.
Explore The Past.
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.
Best Museum/Art Gallery category
Best Local Event category for Cottage Lawn Farmers’ Market
Thank You For Your Votes! See More Winners at Oneida Daily DispatchTour The Grounds
The Cottage Lawn
Come tour the Cottage Lawn, our 1849 Gothic Revival Villa designed by prominent architect Alexander Jackson Davis, now serving as both a museum and society headquarters. Discover what life was like in the Victorian period and learn about Madison County’s heritage when you book a tour.
Located in Oneida, NY, this 5,706 sqft home features two parlors, a dining room, a library/trophy room, a kitchen with butler’s pantry, vault, children’s room, grandmother’s room, housekeeper’s room, and changing exhibit room. Visit the new hop culture exhibit located within the property’s agricultural barn.
Guided House Tours:
Monday – Friday, 10am – 2pm
$5.00 per adult | MCHS Members & children under 12 are free










Unearth The Past
Mary King
Research Library
Housed within the Museum is the Mary King Research Library – a valuable resource for historians, researches, and curious individuals alike.
The library contains the history of Madison County including records of statistics, published histories, newspapers, microfilms, and countless other sources of record keeping and photography.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Members & High School Students are free.
$20 for nonmembers | $5 student rate college/graduate
Events
When: Sunday, December 10
Location: Madison County Historical Society
Free and Open to the Public
The Madison County Historical Society’s doors open to the public as the holiday gathering returns after a short hiatus. On view at the Historical Society are the period rooms that have been transformed into holiday scenes created by Blooms and Blossoms, Sherrill Garden Club, and Madison County Historical Society’s Volunteers. All are welcome to enjoy the holiday music from area musicians and groups. The Oneida Civic Chorale Ensemble under the direction of Mark Bunce will start the afternoon off with Christmas classics from 1:00 pm- 1:45 pm. CNY Ukes, an inclusive group that believes the ukulele is for everyone, led by Deborah Guarneiri will be performing Christmas songs from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Otto Shortell Middle School Chorus under the direction of Stephanie Gwilt will delight the crowd with their performance from 2:45- 3:15 p.m. The last live musical performance that afternoon will be a performance by Kevin Bailey, guitarist, and singer, who will be returning to perform holiday favorites from 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Visit our gift shop for that special holiday gift such as membership to the historical society, books, ornaments, and more.
The holiday event is free and open to the public. Holiday refreshments will be available. For more information, please call 315-363-4136, or send an email to Sydney at history@mchs1900.org. Join us for an afternoon filled with holiday sights, sounds, and refreshments for all!

A Madison County Holiday Travel Through Time Exhibition
When: November 21 & 28 at 1pm
Location: Madison County Historical Society, 435 Main Street, Oneida, NY 13421
For the 2021 Holiday Season, the Madison County Historical Society is offering an unprecedented exhibit of over 20 rare early-American shelf clocks made in Madison County between 1830-1842, entitled “A Madison County Holiday Travel Through Time.”