Write a commentThe Oswego County Historical Society is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibit titled "Painting Oswego."
A presentation will take place Sunday May 17, 2026, at 1:30pm at the Richardson-Bates House Museum, 135 E 3rd St, Oswego, NY 13126. It is free and open to the public.
"Painting Oswego" was researched and curated by Michael Parks, a volunteer researcher with OCHS and an adjunct faculty member at Pratt Munson in Utica. The exhibit will feature artwork focused on 19th and 20th Century Oswego County. One painting, a striking watercolor of the Oswego Starch Factory, has drawn particular interest due to its exceptional condition.
"To me this is the centerpiece of the exhibition, " Parks said. "I stepped back and I saw this huge watercolor, and it's so vibrant and it's so pristine. Then when I pulled out and I saw this signature that says '93, I'm like this has to be 1993, there's no way that this is 130 years old. That's just not possible, it's too pristine." However, the signature confirmed that the piece dates back to 1893, making its story even more remarkable.
Parks will be speaking about his research and the paintings he selected during the presentation. The temporary exhibit runs until July on the second floor of the museum. For more information about the event, call the museum at 315-343-1342 or visitour Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/richardsonbateshousemuseum
The Oswego County Historical Society seeks to interpret its collections to connect the community to past, present and future topics relevant to local history, and to promote a public interest in Oswego County's historical resources. The Richardson-Bates House Museum will be open Thursdays through Saturdays, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. April through December 19, 2026. Admission rates begin at $12 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. This includes a guided 1- hour tour of the museum.
