The Otsego County Historical Society was established in 1963.  There was an earlier historical group, the Pioneer Society, which has since disbanded and donated its assets to the Historical Society.

The purpose of the Historical Society is to bring together people interested in history, especially the history of Otsego County.  A major function is collecting any material which helps to establish or illustrate the history of the area.  The Historical Society provides for the preservation of these materials and accessibility to all who wish to examine or study them at our Museum.  A special aim of the Society is to preserve historical buildings and historical sites in the county.

The Historical Society is a non-profit corporation and is governed by an elected board of directors.  Membership is open to all who have an interest in the history of Otsego County.