Guided House Tours

Come tour the Madison County Historical Society headquarters, Cottage Lawn, an 1849 Gothic Revival Villa designed by prominent architect Alexander Jackson Davis and the former home of Oneida’s founding family, Niles, and Eliza Higinbotham, and their three daughters, Julia, Louise, and Lily who resided in the home from 1849-1931. Nile’s second daughter, Louise was the last Higinbotham family member to reside at Cottage Lawn. On November 30, 1930, Louise drew up her will, and in the nineteenth paragraph, she bequeathed her family’s home, Cottage Lawn to the Madison County Historical Society. On June 15, 1934, the Madison County Historical Society officially opened its doors to the public with a dinner, tour, and dedication speeches from Dr. Alexander C. Flick, State Historian, and Dr. George Swinnerton.

Located in Oneida, NY, both the Historical Society’s house museum and Mary King Research Library are open to the public for guided house tours and research. Throughout the year a variety of special events, exhibits, and educational programs from workshops to guest lecturers are offered. Annual special events sponsored by the Madison County Historical Society include Madison County Craft Festival, Madison County Hop Fest, Cottage Lawn Farmers’ Market, and Victorian Christmas Open House.