Welcome To

Historical Association of South Jefferson

Our Mission

The discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history of southern Jefferson County, in the State of New York; To provide for the preservation of such material and for its accessibility, as far as may be feasible, to all who may wish to examine or study it.

What's going on

Announcements
  • HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH JEFFERSON 2024 REPORT

    Dear HASJ Supporters,

    Another year has passed and it is again time for our annual fund drive to support the Historical Association's operating ...

  • 50th Anniversary Celebration!

    On September 24th, we invite you to visit our 25 beautiful rooms at the Ripley House. Thanks to our members, volunteers and generous supporters, we ...

  • Welcome to our New Site!

    The Historical Association has a new website and web address. Please take some time and navigate around and give us some feedback. We'd love to hear ...

Upcoming Events

2024 Museum New Window Donor Campaign

See our announcement above for details. Donation card can be fund here.

Genealogy/Local History Research

In searching back in old family histories you may find mentioned the large and small communities that make up the six towns of Southern Jefferson County. The villages, hamlets and communities that have comprised these towns include:

Town of Adams

Adams, Adams Center, Cobbville, Green Settlement, Honeyville, Lisk Settlement, Lyons Corners, North Adams, Talcotts Falls, Thomas Settlement, Wright Settlement. Smithville lies half in the town of Adams and half in the town of Henderson (here it will be included under Henderson).

Town of Ellisburg

Belleville, Brewster Settlement, Ellisburg, Giddingsville, Log London, Mannsville, Mathers Mills, Monitor Mills, North and South Landing, Pierrepont Manor, Taylor Settlement, Wardwell Settlement, Woodville.

Town of Henderson

Alexander Corners, Association Island, Bishop Street, Butterville, Henderson, Henderson Harbor, Hungerford Corners, Roberts Corners, Smithville, Snowshoe Point, Stony Point. Gallou Island, Little Gallou, Stony Island and Calf Island fall in the Town of Hounsfield, but are closer in proximity to the town of Henderson.

Town of Lorraine

Allendale, French Settlement, Gould Corners, Haights Corners, Lorraine, Lyman District, Mooney Gulf, Waterville, Winona. (The Town of Lorraine included within its boundaries the area that in 1848 was separated as the Town of Worth).

Town of Rodman

Babbit's Corners, Dillin, East Rodman, Rodman,Toad Hollow, Tremaines's Corners, Unionville, West Rodman, Whitesville, Whitford Corners, Zoar.

Town of Worth

Diamond, Fredericks Corners, Seven-by-Nine, Stears Corners, VanAukins Corners, Worth, Worthville, Worth Center.

Our research material is not limited to just these sixtowns. The Jefferson County Journal used to cover vital records and town histories throughout Jefferson County, Northern Oswego County and Western Lewis County.

Programs

Genealogy & Local History Research - we are available for you to do research on site or we can research for you. There is no cost for researching, we do ask a donation to help cover postage and copies. We have thousands of family surname files and a database of birth, marriage & death notices from the Jefferson County Journal from 1855 to the present. We also have military records, some early church records, town histories, federal census, cemetery records, family histories and much more. Research is not limited to our Six Towns. The Journal carried vitals records and community news for much of Jefferson County, Northern Oswego County and the Western part of Lewis County during the 1800's and early 1900's.

To request a look-up on a family or community send us an e-mail with the request. Request should include first and last name of person/people you are searching, any dates you have, township if known. Include mailing address and phone number incase our response via e-mail doesn't go through. Please allow us a couple weeks to get the information together and get back to you. We usually check e-mail two or three times per week.

Other programs include: Craft Classes, Fund Rasiers such as Craft shows, Chicken BBQ's, Breakfasts, Dinners, Pioneer Days, Strawberry Festival, Fall Festival and much more.

Museum Tours

25 room Ripley house with a large variety of displays (1st floor includes - old fashioned kitchen, dining room, parlor, country store, medical room, plus more), (2nd floor includes - bedroom, Indian room, kids room, military room, sewing & laundry room, chapel, school room, plus more), (basement have tools of all kinds, sports, cobbler room, jail), plus there is 4 stall garage with agricultural displays. Many displays are on a rotation for display.

The Haights Corners District School has been moved to our site and is available to tour. We also are renovating an old log cabin from the early 1800's.

To arrange a group tour please call us at 315-232-2616. We will be glad to work with any size group. Childrens groups must meet minimum requirements for adult supervision and length of tour.

Fees - donation.

Hours of Operation

Hours vary depending on the availability of volunteers, but we strive to be open every week for the following hours:

Monday

8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Tuesday

By Appointment Only

Wednesday

8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Thursday

By Appointment Only

Friday

By Appointment Only

Saturday/Sunday

Closed

Other hours by appointment. Call the Historic Association at (315) 232-2616 or Debbie Quick, evenings, at (315) 298-5953.