The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick consists of 12 landmark properties and an incredible collection of artifacts, clothing, and items which tell the story of Warwick and its people, past and present. We are the memory-keepers of Warwick.
In April of 1906, a small group of Warwick residents gathered together with a common idea, to formally establish an Historical Society for the Town of Warwick. A few of these citizens maintained residences in NYC, and were keenly aware of the New York Historical Society that had been established a hundred years before.
The first few meetings involved discussions about the name and mission for the Society. The name which they quickly arrived at was the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick (HSTOW).
By 1915, membership had grown to 100, and at the annual meeting discussion centered around the possible purchase of the Shingle House on Lake Street (now Forester Avenue) for their permanent home.
This house, which stands to this day and is currently being restored, is the oldest standing house in the Village of Warwick. It was built by Daniel Burt for his son Daniel, Jr. in 1764. A few members donated substantial sums to the cause, and by July, 1915 had met the cost of the structure for purchase. The members authorized the Board President to sign a contract for the purchase, and moved to incorporate the Society.
In 1914 (re-released in 1933) and 1950, the Society published Warwick Historical Papers, Book 1 and 2. These books contain essays and burial records for the area’s private burial plots and church cemeteries. In the 1950s and 60s, the Society took possession of a number of buildings and properties, including the Old School Baptist Meeting House (1810), what came to be known as Lewis Park, the Sly Barn (c.1825), and the 1810 House.
In the past two decades, the Society has continued to grow physically with the addition of the Azariah Ketchum House (1810), Hasbrouck Carriage House (1840s), United African Methodist Episcopal Church (1906), and Francis Baird Tavern (1766). In January, 2011 the former Albert Wisner Public Library was bought from the town and donated to the Society and re-named the A.W. Buckbee Center (1927). This structure is the location of historic textile and clothing collections, archives, static exhibitions, our administrative offices, and a reception and large meeting/function space.
The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick believes that an understanding and appreciation of our historic heritage is essential to maintaining a unique and meaningful identity as a community. The mission of the Society is to celebrate and preserve the history of the Town of Warwick and its people and to assure that this legacy is passed on to future generations. Towards this end we will: educate and engage a diverse public through a variety of programs; maintain our museum buildings, properties, and collections; research and publish historic records; identify and encourage preservation of significant places and structures throughout the town; and manage the society openly, ethically, and professionally.
Archives is staffed by volunteers on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, and other hours by appointment. Contact: [email protected] or 845-986-3236, ext. 102; please allow a week for a response.
Our historic buildings and grounds, including the Old School Baptist Meeting House and Lewis Park, can be rented for your wedding, party, or company meeting. Contact 845-986-3236 ext. 101 for more information.
