Explore Local History and Heritage

Explore Local History and HeritageExplore Local History and HeritageExplore Local History and Heritage

Explore Local History and Heritage

Explore Local History and HeritageExplore Local History and HeritageExplore Local History and Heritage

Dexter Historical Society and The Last Station

Dexter Historical Society and The Last StationDexter Historical Society and The Last StationDexter Historical Society and The Last StationDexter Historical Society and The Last Station
Join Our Society

Dexter Historical Society and The Last Station

Dexter Historical Society and The Last StationDexter Historical Society and The Last StationDexter Historical Society and The Last StationDexter Historical Society and The Last Station
Join Our Society

Our Mission & History

The Dexter Historical Society was chartered in 2000.  The museum resides in the former First Universalist Church of Dexter, which was active from 1841-1997 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  We collect and preserve artifacts, pictures, and history of Dexter and surrounding areas, and we make this historical information available to the public. 


 An Eagle Scout project in 2019 renovated the museum displays, and since then the museum has been open to the public for summer hours and special events.  


The Last Station, a joint venture with the Dexter Volunteer Fire Department, opened in 2024 and houses historical firefighting equipment and memorabilia, including the 1929 Brockway Fire Engine and the 1865 Rumsey hand pumper.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

COME JOIN US THIS SUMMER FOR EXCITING EVENTS!

Summer concert series

Join us at the Dexter Legion, right  near the museum, for our summer concerts.  Come listen to Ham Jam, a popular local band-- free admission!  Cakes and ice cream are available for purchase.  Don't miss it!


Dates are June 23rd, July 21st, and August 18th from 6-8:30PM

Meet The Pumpers

Back again this year is our Meet the Pumpers Day!  Sunday, August 2nd, from 1-4PM.  Come see the 1929 Brockway fire engine and the 1865 Rumsey Hand Pumper up close, and talk to the firemen!  You may even get a chance to try working the Rumsey hand pumper yourself and experience what firefighters had to work with in the old days!  Free admission!  You can tour both buildings, and we will have hot dogs, popcorn, and soda available.  This is a great family event too!

Summer Hours

We are open June, July and August 

on Saturday and Sunday 

from 12-2PM


Free admission


New exhibits for 2026, including recently unearthed artifacts.  Come tour both museums!

Our museum has many historical photos lining the walls showing Dexter events and people. There are also many display cases in the museum showcasing objects from Dexter's history.

Come take a look at The Last Station, a joint venture with the Dexter Volunteer Fire Department to display historical fire equipment and memorabilia. We have the 1929 Brockway Fire Engine, as well as the 1865 Rumsey Hand Pumper (both pictured here).  The Brockway is often used in parades, and visitors can try out the hand pumper at special events.  

Historical objects from the Universalist church

Our museum is housed in the former First Universalist Church of Dexter, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  We have many items on display from the church and its congregation, in addition to the extensive photos and artifacts that chronical Dexter's history.

Some of Our Historical Photos

Our Fire Department

Dexter Fire Department Silsby Steamer 1895

Come see the history of our fire department at The Last Station!

The Limerick Hotel

You can still see this hotel at the corner of Route 180 and 12E.  Although closed now, this hotel was the longest continuously operating hotel in Jefferson County.  It was a way station on the Watertown/Cape Vincent Road

O.M. Wood's Store

Built in 1852 by James Bell, it was a mercantile business.  The Wood brothers purchased it in 1870 and continued the operation for many years

Downtown Dexter, Early 1930s

The Sulfite Mill

J.A.McWayne Store 1875

Support the Dexter Historical Society

Help us preserve and share our local history. Your donation ensures ongoing programs, exhibits, and educational outreach for the community. Every contribution makes a difference in keeping our heritage alive for future generations.  You can mail donations to the address below, or click the donation button to email us.

Donate Today

Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person!

We are open June, July and August 

on Saturday and Sunday 

from 12-2PM

Contact us if you would like to visit a different time


Free Admission

Dexter Historical Society and The Last Station

(PO Box 231) 105 E Kirby St, Dexter, NY, 13634 USA

dexternymuseum@gmail.com

Drop us a line!

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