Preserving Our Heritage
A Living Archive of our Quaint Community on the St. Lawrence
The Waddington Museum serves as a memorial to our town’s rich history. From the hand-cut limestone of the Old Town Hall to the vision we have for our future home just around the corner, we invite you to walk through time as you view the various exhibits of artifacts on display.
The Old Town Hall
The Museum currently occupies the ground floor of the historic limestone building which has served as a community anchor since its construction in 1884 by renowned stonemason Isaac Johnson. Plans are underway to relocate the museum to a permanent home in another nearby historic setting currently under renovation.
- 38 Main Street, Waddington, NY 13694
Museum Exhibits
The collections that fill our current gallery offer a snapshot of a wide and varied history for a small community. They feature photographs and artifacts of interest that have been collected and preserved over the years, highlighting several individuals who made important contributions to society.
Lead Historian & Curator
Waddington Historian - Kathy Badlam Putney
“I am proud of my third-generation roots in Waddington, and the fact that my children are the fourth. I became interested in the history of our small town and village at a young age. As I was growing up, I loved listening to all the stories the older generation would share about the way things used to be. I was raised by loving, caring parents who were always involved in the community and did their part to keep Waddington the great small town it’s always been.
I understand the importance of sharing Waddington’s rich history with future generations, and I look forward to helping facilitate the construction of a new museum and the preservation of older buildings in town.”
Current Collections
Curated artifacts from the early settlement to the mid-century.
Isaac Johnson
From Slave to Stonecutter:
Honoring “The Bridge Builder” who constructed regional stone arches and the 1884 Town Hall across Waddington and Madrid, NY.
1910
Waddington Milk Plant
A look back at local agriculture featuring an authentic “WADDINGTON MILK CO.” metal milk can, antique scale, vintage glass bottles, and historical photographs.
The Ogden Family
Waddington's Founding Fathers:
Multi-panel tabletop exhibit detailing family portraits, historic St. Lawrence River property maps, and original artifacts.
Aerial skyview
Waddington on the St. Lawrence
One of several aerial photographs in
the Museum’s archives that capture Waddington’s waterfront geography, mainland infrastructure, and river islands prior to St. Lawrence Seaway construction in the late 1950’s.
Rutherford's Express Notice
Historic transport notice detailing tri-weekly passenger and freight routes between Waddington and Ogdensburg.
(1844–1929)
James Ricalton
Local author, world traveler, and photographer for Thomas Edison. Featured alongside his vintage wooden 3D stereoscope viewer.
Waddington
Early Farming & Local Commerce
Historic agricultural tools including hand sheep shears, a long-toothed hay knife, and early photographs of Waddington’s streetscapes.
1865
Map of Waddington and Business Directory -1865
This map from 1865 is just one of many detailed maps within the museum’s archive, which spans multiple centuries and decades.
1916
Maclyn Arbuckle Exhibit
Several vintage items from the Maclyn Arbuckle estate are currently on display, including a vintage steamer trunk that has been converted into a museum showcase to hold some of his artifacts.
Support Our Legacy
Your support helps the Waddington Historical Association preserve local records, share community stories, and create meaningful programs that keep Waddington’s history alive for generations to come.