Lewis County Historical Society

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Lewis County Historical Society This is the official page of the Lewis County Historical Society.

As an educational organization, our mission is to preserve, present and promote the history and stories of Lewis County and its environs – including those of the Tug Hill plateau, the Black River valley and the western Adirondacks – and to use our collections, programming and partnerships to be the North Country’s preeminent institution for heritage preservation, education and tourism. The Lewis County Historical Society seeks to organize community and educational outreach programs, assist with genealogy and local history research, work on numerous preservation projects, and collect and record information on both local families and figures, as well as historic buildings, sites and events. We routinely seek, receive and administer funding through federal, state and local governmental programs, public and private foundation grants, gifts, donations and endowments, and other fundraising efforts, both for the Society’s own historic preservation efforts and operating needs, as well as for the needs of other local history and preservation groups that are either too small or prefer not to have to administer such funding for themselves. We look to acquire real and personal property for the public benefit, assist in placing historic properties on the National Register, and aim not only to be a repository of research and learning dedicated to a deeper understanding of the North Country experience over time, but also to be a respected voice for the importance of preserving our area’s past. Through our collections, archives, properties, writings and publications, exhibits, funding initiatives, and public programs, the Society seeks to nurture a greater appreciation for the history of this area and for the ideas, values, successes and failures that bind us together both as a county and a community. We believe that a sense of history and the need for preservation enables diverse parts of our community to achieve a shared heritage – which is vital to any community’s character – and enhances the overall quality of North County life.

10/16/2026
10/16/2026
*Learning about the history of the Lowville and Beaver River Railroad of Lewis County.-An interesting feature of this ra...
10/16/2026

*Learning about the history of the Lowville and Beaver River Railroad of Lewis County.

-An interesting feature of this railroad and other similar short lines was the "Jitney".
-The "Jitney" or a "doodlebug" as it was referred to as a more mainline term was a self propelled gas powered single passenger car.
-This Jitney allowed for daily passenger trips and mail here and there along the lines without disturbing the freight traffic and starting up the steam engine.
-The Jitney was also only operated by one or two people.
-The L&BRRs Jitney was purchased in 1916 and numbered 502, as pictured.
-The Jitney had a schedule and was used by any passengers who wanted to commute in between Croghan and Lowville.
-But, the Jitney was also responsible for transporting older students and teachers back and forth from Croghan, Beaver Falls and New Bremen to Lowville Academy daily.
-There was only one major accident reported on the Jitney, when in February 1925 the Jitney loaded with students headed back home, derailed due to icy conditions on Lime Kiln Hill over Dadville. A hand full of minor injuries were incurred.
-The Jitney experienced great use until 1931 when its engine gave out.
-The Jitney was then converted to a regular train passenger/freight coach until 1947 when it was completely decommissioned.
-Freight traffic continued on this line, but in about 1950, milk freight was lost to trucking and so on and so on.
-Trains worldwide kept and still keep heavy freight off roads and make car travel easier in general.
-Do you remember taking the train to school?

Three 250th events happening in Utica at the Oneida County History Center. Worth the drive.
10/15/2026

Three 250th events happening in Utica at the Oneida County History Center. Worth the drive.

We are extending the 250th display at the Lewis County Historical Society for one more week. Hurry in to view before it ...
10/14/2026

We are extending the 250th display at the Lewis County Historical Society for one more week. Hurry in to view before it is packed away.

The last day for viewing will be Friday, October 23rd.

Our hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 - 4.

The notable Theodore Basselin, Croghan, NY.
10/12/2026

The notable Theodore Basselin, Croghan, NY.

It was an exciting day 80 years ago this year in Lowville.
10/09/2026

It was an exciting day 80 years ago this year in Lowville.

The Lewis County 2026 250th US anniversary time capsule is going to be sealed later this fall, and we need your help.We ...
10/05/2026

The Lewis County 2026 250th US anniversary time capsule is going to be sealed later this fall, and we need your help.
We need more additions.
Photos, business cards, pamphlets and all other kinds of ephemera from Lewis County 2026 are needed.
If you have any photos of a local parade, garage sale, picnic, concert, etc., or just your house, new car, street view of anywhere in Lewis County; we welcome it!
We've gathered Main Street photos of most towns and villages. Examples shown below.
Please email photos to [email protected] or mail all other ephemera to LCHS, PO box 446, Lowville, NY 13367.

Thank you!

Navigating the Black River.
10/03/2026

Navigating the Black River.

Address

7552 S. State St
Lowville, NY
13367

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13153768957

Website

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