Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown, New York

06/23/2026

✨️ Olive Paddock's Enduring Legacy: A Gift That Preserved Jefferson County History

If you've ever visited the Jefferson County Historical Society, attended one of our events, researched your family history, or simply admired the Paddock Mansion, you have Olive Amelia Wheeler Paddock to thank.

Born in Watertown in 1835, Olive married businessman and banker Edwin L. Paddock, and together they made their home in the beautiful Washington Street mansion that now serves as our museum. But Olive was much more than a prominent resident. She was known for her generosity, civic spirit, and love of learning. She operated Watertown's first sewing school for more than 20 years and was active in charitable causes throughout the community.

By the early 1920s, the Jefferson County Historical Society's collections were being housed at Flower Memorial Library, but the organization was quickly running out of room. When Olive passed away in 1922, she made a remarkable decision. Having no children of her own, she bequeathed her beloved home and grounds to the Historical Society, providing a permanent home for the growing collection and helping ensure that Jefferson County's history would be preserved for generations to come.

More than a century later, her gift continues to benefit our community. Every exhibit, event, research request, and artifact preserved within these walls is part of the legacy she left behind.

Some local legends even suggest that Olive still keeps a watchful eye over the mansion she loved so dearly. Whether that's true or not, her presence is certainly felt throughout the home that bears her name.

Thank you, Olive Paddock, for preserving Jefferson County's history for future generations.

06/20/2026

🏫 Have you seen the Little Pink Schoolhouse and Log Cabin yet?

While visiting the Paddock Mansion, be sure to explore these two historic treasures on our grounds. Step inside the Little Pink Schoolhouse and imagine what learning was like for local students generations ago, then visit the Log Cabin for a glimpse into early settler life in Jefferson County.

Both buildings are open for viewing during museum hours and are included with admission.

🕙 Open Saturdays & Sundays, 10 AM – 4 PM
(***Hours will expand in July)

📸 Have you been inside? Share your memories or photos in the comments!

06/14/2026

✨Paddock Mansion 1st Annual Summer Bash 2026✨

Join us for a day of relaxation, community, creativity, and a touch of the mystical at the beautiful Paddock Mansion!

📅 August 29, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 228 Washington Street, Watertown, NY
💲 $5 Admission

Spend the day exploring a variety of unique experiences, including:

🔮 Tarot & Oracle Readings
🌿 Reiki Sessions
🎶 Sound Bath & Garden Meditation
🛍️ Craft Vendors & Local Businesses
🎵 Tuning Fork Demonstrations
✨ And much more!

As the sun sets, stay for a special Victorian Séance Experience in the evening! (Tickets for the Seance can be purchased on Eventbrite)

Whether you're seeking wellness, spiritual exploration, handcrafted treasures, or simply a fun summer outing, there’s something for everyone at the Paddock Mansion Summer Bash.

Bring your friends, support local vendors, and celebrate summer with us!

** If you're interested in vending, please contact us!

06/13/2026

🌳 Discover Your Roots at the History & Genealogy Fair!

Join the Jefferson County Historical Society and the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library for an engaging afternoon celebrating local history, family heritage, and community stories!

Whether you're just beginning your family history journey or are an experienced genealogist, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with local historians, learn about Jefferson County's rich past, and explore the historic Paddock Mansion.

🗓 Saturday, August 22
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Jefferson County Historical Society
228 Washington Street, Watertown, NY

🎤 Featured Guest Speakers:
• 11:30 AM – Dr. Laurie Rush: Geology and Immigration to Northern New York
• 12:30 PM – Baylor Durant: Preserving Jefferson County's Past – 140 Years of the Jefferson County Historical Society
• 1:30 PM – Dr. Jason White: History of Watertown, NY

💵 Admission: $5 per person

Come share your stories, discover your family's history, and learn more about the people and events that shaped our community.

For more information, contact Ashley M. or Ashley P. at 315-785-7714.

We look forward to seeing you there!

06/13/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for History Happy Hour last night!

We enjoyed a wonderful evening with speakers John Stano and Allyson Stephenson and are grateful to them for sharing their knowledge and stories with us.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended. Your support helps us continue preserving and sharing Jefferson County's rich history. We appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to seeing you again soon!

06/07/2026

Have you seen our current chair exhibit "Sitting Pretty" yet? It will only be up for a couple more weeks. Come and see it while it's still on display!

Open Saturdays and Sundays in the month of June from 10am - 4pm.

A chair from the Brittan Chair Factory of Theresa, on display Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm at the Jefferson County Historical Society in Watertown.

After moving to upstate New York and working at the Dexter Chair Factory in Black River a short time, Ancell N. Brittan moved his family to Theresa and opened “The Brittan Chair Co.” in 1843. His chairs sold well and business prospered.

Later the firm became “A.N. Brittan & Son,” and there was expansion. At one time Brittan employed over eighty men in his factory.

A plentiful supply of local woods were available (oak, maple and ash) and many chair styles were produced, the most familiar was the solid seat with spindle back with either a square or curved top- both popular for use in town halls and meeting houses, as well as homes.

A.N. Brittan died in Theresa in 1888 and the business was sold. Local banker Elon G Gardner bought the factory and reorganized it as a stock company, thereafter known as “A.N. Brittan & Son Manufacturing Company (Limited).”

The business was destroyed by fire in 1889.

06/07/2026

🔍 Hidden within one of the Paddock Mansion's fireplaces is a fascinating collection of Arthurian legends brought to life in tile.

The decorative panels feature scenes and characters from the stories of King Arthur, including Arthur himself, Guinevere, Elaine, Excalibur, the Holy Grail, and Morte d'Arthur. Together, they form a miniature Arthurian story cycle woven into the home's architecture.

During the Victorian era, interest in medieval legends was at its height. Tales of chivalry, romance, and adventure inspired everything from literature and art to interior design. The Paddock Mansion's Arthurian fireplace is a beautiful example of how these timeless stories found their way into everyday life.

Though the room is viewed from the doorway today, the fireplace remains one of the mansion's most intriguing decorative treasures. A reminder of the Victorian fascination with the legendary world of Camelot.