Tioga County Historical Society continues to present historical exhibits pertaining to Tioga County NY and the Nation as a whole. Our four galleries are dedicated to both a permanent collection, our folk art portrait collections, and two rotating, visiting, and/or showcase exhibits. Events and programs, including youth oriented activities and guest lecture series, are being planned for the 2011 calendar year.

The museum building is now open for limited research. Once the museum is fully functional, we will send a notice to the public. Thank you for your continued patience.

PLEASE NOTE: As of March 22nd, 2012, most of our research materials have been returned to the museum following flood recovery processing. The card files as well as most of the family files have been restored, sorted, and filed. Our collection of microfilm is complete; however, we do not yet have a working microfilm reader. The book collection, including local histories, Owego directories, and family histories, has been returned, but remains in boxes until we obtain bookcases.

Our genealogical research facility contains over 300,000 index cards of surnames including information from census records, newspaper accounts, family Bible information, family folders, excerpts from local history books, as well as individual family name books. We also have an extensive microfilm collection.

Non-members may use the facility, but fees will apply. Please see the side bar for our fee schedule. Due to the time involved, research questions of any nature are best handled via mail or email correspondence. We are not able to provide immediate responses over the phone.

Since its creation in 1914, the Tioga County Historical Society has been committed to preserving the history of Tioga County. The Society collects and preserves artifacts from every town in the county. Our goal is to educate the public about the county’s history and how it ties into national history as a whole. Here at the museum, located on 110 Front Street in Owego, NY, we exhibit artifacts from our collections, provide genealogy and research facilities in our library, conduct educational programs, and publish material on the county. We hope to encourage others to preserve and protect Tioga County history so we maintain our county’s future while enjoying artifacts from our past.

The Tioga County Historical Society was incorporated on July 8, 1914 when a certificate of incorporation was issued by the New York Secretary of State. TCHS’ purpose was to collect and preserve articles and items relating to the history of Tioga County and to put them on exhibit. An article in the Owego Gazette for July 9, 1914 stated that when plans for the Coburn Free Library were made, a provision was made for a room to be used by the Historical Society. The article also stated: “In the distant future the Society may be in a condition to erect a handsome building of its own”. The Society’s collections were housed in the library until 1952 when they were moved into the former residence of Miss Minnie B. Wade at 314 Front St. that was bequeathed to the Historical Society.”