Research & Archives
The Richardson-Bates House Museum features two research libraries, with access to our most popular collections and other research material.
Researchers, authors, and others are encouraged to make use of these resources by scheduling an appointment with the Oswego County Historical Society.
Explore Where the Water Never Ends
The Richardson-Bates House Museum is located in Oswego’s historic east side. Turn your museum visit into a full day trip and explore the Port City, from the picturesque waterfront and unique downtown shops, to other historic sites and museums.
Visit Destination Oswego and plan your trip around the city, or visit our recommended historic sites for more history happening in and around Oswego.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
The Richardson-Bates House Museum is an historic house museum and National Register of Historic Places landmark. The house was built in 1867 by the house’s namesake Maxwell B. Richardson — attorney and two-term mayor of Oswego during his lifetime.
The Richardson-Bates House Museum is owned and operated by the Oswego County Historical Society, who also use it as a base-of-operations.
You can read more about the history of the house and the family that lived in it on our History page.
Tours of the museum are guided, and require a ticket for entry into the museum or the gift shop. Walk-in tickets are available, and we accept cash, check, and card payments. Members of the Society can walk-in for free — simply present your membership card when you arrive.
A guided tour of the Richardson-Bates House Museum begins with the first floor period rooms, furnished with period-appropriate (often original) pieces. The second floor consists of one period room and multiple exhibition spaces, with a video tour available for those who cannot make it up the stairs.
Along the way, docents are encouraged to answer questions, so come prepared with lots of ’em!
Food and drink are not permitted in the museum for patrons. Though we sometimes host events that include food and drink, they are relegated to the front and side lawns, and never inside.
No smoking or vaping are allowed in the museum. No exceptions. Thank you for understanding.
Yes! Though we close at 5:00 P.M., we accept our last patrons no later than 4:00 P.M. to allow time for everyone to fully experience the guided tour of the museum.
Of course! Visitors are encouraged to take photos in the period rooms and exhibition spaces as part of the guided tour. However, the use of flash, tripods and/or selfie sticks is prohibited.
If you take a particularly compelling photo that you think we’d be able to use for website or other marketing material, please submit it to us at ochs@rbhousemuseum.org! And if you share it on social media, please be sure to tag us accordingly.
More information can be found in our Images & Licensing Policy. Thanks!
We’d be honored if you’d bring your class on a tour. Please contact us for more information, as group tours of 10 or more have a discounted group rate. Thank you for your interest in using Oswego County Historical Society as an educational resource!
Use of our research libraries and collections is appointment-only, and is usually made outside of regular touring hours.
Because we are run by volunteers, and because only about 2% of our collection is digitized, a hunt for materials to help you can be time consuming. We encourage researchers and visitors alike to browse the Education section of our website, or view our curated Collections Highlights, to learn more about the Society’s available resources before contacting.
Some questions can be answered over the phone at (315) 343-1342. You can also use this research-specific contact form to let us know what you’re looking for, and we will make an arrangement together.
If we have something that you’re looking for, we will pull items for you to examine in our second-floor meeting room. If you can’t climb stairs, we can bring materials down to our office for you.
We will do everything we can to accommodate you and give you a great experience during your visit!
First, we encourage all potential visitors to read our Accessibility statement, as that outlines what accommodations are currently available at the museum.
If, after reading our statement, you still have concerns, please contact us or call (315) 343-1342 and specify your need requirements. We will strive to solve issues for you and others. Please allow ample time for us to respond, as we are volunteers who may not be available every single day. Thanks!
Keep History Alive
Join the Oswego County Historical Society and help keep local history thriving. Membership starts at $25 and includes exclusive perks, discounts, and more!
