Welcome to The Newstead Historical Society

The Newstead Historical Society was established in 1958 and chartered by the Erie County Historical Federation and the Town of Newstead and Village of Akron. We are a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) cultural non-profit organization and currently there are nearly 400 members based all over the world.

Each year, the NHS presents free to the public Programs of historical interest. Please visit our Events page for the schedule of our speaker series for 2023. Additionally, there are two buildings that the NHS owns and maintains.

The Knight-Sutton Museum at 123 Main St Akron NY showcases all types of historical artifacts and memorabilia from the Town of Newstead and the Village of Akron. For more information about hours and the current exhibit click here.

The Rich-Twinn Octagon House, a fully restored home on its original foundation at 145 Main St Akron NY is a museum depicting residential life in 1870, with some of the furnishings on display being original to the house. More about the Octagon House here. 

Tours of the Rich-Twinn Octagon House
Our regular season has ended; however, our holiday schedule is here!

“Highlights of the Octagon for the holidays”
Semi-guided tours 30-40 minutes in length
Sundays November 26, December 3, 10, 17
1pm – 3pm no reservation needed
Adults $8 Youth 11- 17yrs $5

Candlelight Open House – an 1850’s Christmas
(during Light Up Akron! celebration)
Saturday, December 9 from 6pm – 8pm
Suggested donation $5 – $10 for adults
Trolley car ride available between the Octagon and Knight-Sutton Museum

Private/Guided Tours during December
Weekdays according to availability December 5 – 20, 2023
Reservations are required for our 60 – 80-minute in-depth tours for groups and may be arranged by leaving a message at 716-542-4270 or by email at [email protected]
$12 a person – group of one to five people
$10 a person – group of 6 or more people

Please note: Being a historical home restored to its original floor plans, there are many narrow-step staircases throughout the house included in our tours.

The Rich-Twinn Octagon House Museum is not handicap accessible.

Here is a recent look at the Octagon House with Mike Randall.