About the Association

Since its founding as an informal historical society in 1959, the Town of Middlefield Historical Association has grown into a local history museum and community center. TMHA now hosts a variety of programs ranging from festivals and community outreach initiatives, to historical craft demonstrations and holiday events. It also publishes a newsletter and maintains a continuously expanding collection of artifacts, printed materials and photographs related to the history of the Town of Middlefield, in Central New York.

The Town of Middlefield Historical Association was officially chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 1966. In the same year, it leased the "Old Schoolhouse" in the hamlet of Middlefield to serve as its headquarters. In 1985, the National Register of Historic Places added the Middlefield Hamlet Historic District to "the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation," followed shortly thereafter by the Old Schoolhouse, or "Middlefield District No. 1 School" listed in 1988.

Built in 1875 and open for almost 80 years, the school building had only occasionally been used for town elections and meetings since closing in 1954. TMHA members organized many fundraising efforts including auctions, country fairs, bazaars, and the Yankee Peddler thrift shop. Their dedicated efforts enabled several restoration and renovation projects to be completed.

The windows were restored, roof replaced, building painted and the bell returned. Inside, walls were insulated and a furnace installed. A new sliding door was added to separate the two first floor classrooms. One of the classrooms was restored with original furnishings to closely resemble its appearance in the early twentieth century. A new stairway led to the unfinished second floor, which was later renovated for a museum of Middlefield history. Exhibits present the chronological development of the town including barns, farming, hop growing and cheese making. Mini-exhibits include toys, inns and taverns, churches and farms. The second classroom remains open and is currently used as a space for meetings and programs, as well as housing the historical post office and TMHA gift shop.

The grounds surrounding the schoolhouse are an integral part of this historic gathering place. The property is bordered by the scenic Cherry Valley Creek. On the east side of the building is the original shaded playground, which historically hosted school picnics and recess. On the west side of the school is a recreation area developed in 1976 from a former mill site and gravel pit. It includes sports fields used by Little League teams, soccer teams, families and youth groups. The perimeter of the field is also popular with walkers and joggers. In 2020, with a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a designation marker recognizing the Historic District was installed along Long Patent Road (Otsego County Rt. 35), just south of the hamlet intersection.

TMHA continues to maintain the historic school building and grounds, and promotes its original role as an educational and cultural resource in the community. Through its diverse programming and unique facilities, the association continues to strive to bring people together and to help build a stronger sense of community. TMHA is a membership-based organization and invites all who are interested in the collection and preservation of the history of Middlefield to become a member. Members, neighbors, friends and visitors are encouraged to attend a variety of historical and cultural programs hosted at the Old Schoolhouse.

We invite you to visit…
to learn from our programs,
to meet old and new friends and neighbors,
to play and rest in the atmosphere of our tree-shaded grounds,
and to share in the history and traditions of Central New York.