Johnstown Historical Society Museum
The Johnstown Historical society was formed in 1892. Not long after, the Society began receiving many relics and documents from the townspeople who brought them to the Society for safekeeping and preservation. Originally, in 1893 the headquarters of the Society had been the County Court House Building. However, as the Society’s collection grew more space was needed. In early 1901 the Society was granted new space in the rooms of the Board of Trade in the Ricketts Building on West Main Street.
Through a series of events, in 1906 the New York State Legislature enacted a law that provided for the purchase and preservation of the historic mansion and blockhouse formerly owned by Sir William Johnson. The law also provided that after title had been acquired by New York State, the Johnstown Historical Society would have control and jurisdiction for the purpose of preserving the historic landmark for educational and patriotic purposes. The Society members immediately set to work restoring the property and creating a museum.
Then, in 1952 the State of New York announced plans to make a complete restoration of Johnson Hall to return it to the way it looked when Sir William Johnson occupied the mansion. The hundreds of relics the Society had on display were to be removed and only the items directly related or associated with Sir William Johnson were retained by the State. The Society rented space for its Museum collection at the American Legion Home and many relics were stored in the basement.
In 1959 the Society purchased the Harris Home at 17 North William Street. The building now houses the Society Museum and its collection of community artifacts which continues to expand. Featured displays honor Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Rose Knox, Helen Hayes and Brigadier General Edgar Swarthout Dudley. The building houses an extensive display honoring those who served in the United States Military as well as the Society’s archives and library which includes and encompasses almost 3000 volumes including more than 270 volumes donated by the estate of Judge Daniel Cady, father of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
This is just a small sample of the exhibits that await your visit.
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