richardson-bates house museum

I went here with my daughter for a tour. It was very interesting. We learned a lot about the history of Oswego County. Some of the rooms were empty or very plain and it could use some improvement but for Oswego, NY I think it was nice. The tour guide was great! I would go back again.

Very historic and well kept. Very friendly and passionate tour guide. Presentation drags on a bit as every detail of the museum is reviewed but any question you have about the history of the Richardson-Bates house will be addressed.

An excellent example of how life was in the early part of the century. The house was left as is by the former owners and has been preserved by the Oswego Historical Society. The tour was very informative and my wife, son, and I all enjoyed it tremendously.

This 1870's Italian Villa historical house was a delight! Not only is it an impressive structure with grand 15 feet ceilings and wood paneled rooms, but 90 percent of the extravagant 1890's furnishings & extensive artwork are original to the house. This was due to a gift of the house and furnishings to the Oswego Historical Society in the 1940's. Furthermore, early pictures taken by a nephew in the 1880s let them place everything as it originally was. The owner was a world-traveller/collector and it shows. For a modest entry fee ($3-$5 each), my mother and 8 year-old daughter had a choice of tours - we did the long one (1.5 hours) which was probably a bit long for my daughter, but well done. It's unusual to see so many original furnishings and they are something to see! Highly recommend for history and house buffs.