Mission Statement:
"The Fort Brewerton
Historical Society will
strive to collect and
preserve history for
the education and
entertainment of the
public at large. We
shall also endeaver to
maintain and expand
existing facilities and
historical collections."

In 1965 the Fort Brewerton Historical Society was formed to collect and preserve our local history. The reconstruction of the first settler's block house known as Oliver Steven's Block House was completed in 1778 Built of logs, it is based on the original design of the building, utilizing the bricks recovered from the rubble which Steven had himself taken from the ruined fort. This was a dream come true for many residents. Today, it houses the society's collection of local artifacts including a vast amount of native materials. There is also a small gift shop and meeting room where different events are scheduled throughout the year.

Much of the past recorded history of the area is due to the efforts of J. Elet Milton (1881-1968) a resident of Brewerton. Mr. Milton also left a large historical collection to the Society and made available the land where the first Brewerton Museum was built on Library Street in 1965.

Expansion Project

In July of 1997 an expansion committee was organized. It's purpose: To further the mission of the original founding members. To promote area history and educate the general public as to the richness our area holds. The need to develop larger facilities and acquire more property was evident.

An all encompassing Historical Park/Museum/Public Recreation Facility Plan was underway.
Walker Planning and Design took the concept and mapped out the potential project to include properties west of US Route 11, bordering the north shore of the Oneida River to the including of the State Light House. May of 1998 the "Plan" was presented to the Town of Hastings, Greater Oneida Lake/Fort Brewerton Chamber Of Commerce, and to the general public. The Project was received with overwhelming support. In fact, without a major fund raising campaign over $20,000.00 was donated through private sources, to help the effort.

1998 proved to be a very encouraging year. The process of land acquisition began. Small changes in the museum policies brought changing exhibits, weekend crafters and demonstrators, and a nature walk identifying indigenous flora and fauna. Visitors to the Oliver Stevens Blockhouse Museum rose 300% from the previous year.

The Expansion Committee is proud to report: a new alarm system has been installed in the Museum; the first piece of property for the project has been purchased; various forms of support from State and County Levels are falling into place. An enthusiastic team of grant writers are busy formulating proposals for the physical expansion as well as an historical research center for public use. 1999 plans include a major fund raising effort. Our goal is the acquisition of three parcels of property before the year 2000.

Thanks to a very supportive community, and a dedicated group of members, the Fort Brewerton Historical Society, park expansion efforts surpassed their 1999 goals.

In the beginning of 1999 the Expansion committee set a goal of raising $200,000.00 and acquiring three parcels of property to be incorporated into the Historical Park. By a generous donation from Mrs. Shirley Schneider, on December 28, 1999 the goal was completed. Mrs. Schneider gifted two parcels of property on the northwest side of Rt. 37 and US Rt. 11. The gift completed the acquisition of all three properties just north of the Fort Brewerton Site.

The Oliver Stevens Block House Museum and the Fort Brewerton properties had many changes during the course of 1999. Three new seasonal events were added to its calendar. There were changing thematic displays inside the museum. Also several outdoor interactive activities. An historical herb garden was grown next to the Stevens Block House. Flowers were planted at the base of the Fort flagpole, and a flag that flew from morning to night during the summer season.

Generous donations came to the Historical Expansion Efforts in many forms. A large bequeath from the Lyman Spires estate was received during the year. Two successful raffles were held. A computer was donated from the Elfin Society. Multiple in-kind professional services were given. Quantities of material items were given to be used or auctioned, by the Historical Society. Early in the year many members of the Greater Oneida Lake Chamber of Commerce sent $100.00 contributions to "kick-off the annual fundraising effort. And last but certainly not least, cash donations from private sources in and outside the community, came in support of the Fort Brewerton's Historic Expansion.

A thank-you to the Oswego County Legislatures for their continued support and sponsorship. To everyone who took the time to, care and share ... THANK YOU!

For the year 2000 the Expansion committee has set a $500,000.00 goal. We look forward to your continued interest and support.

The Fort Brewerton Historical Society welcomes all interested parties to get involved. This Expansion Project is a major undertaking, it is designed to be an all encompassing facility, geared toward, historical Preservation, education, tourism and economic development of Central New York.
The Fort Brewerton Historical Society is a non-profit organization, Chartered under the University of the State of New York Education Department. Contributions are tax deductible and acknowledged.

Get involved! For more information please contact (315) 668-8801