History of the Knight-Sutton Museum
Through the benevolence of Mrs. Walter Sutton the Knight-Sutton Museum was established in 1997 when it was realized that the Newstead Historical Society’s artifact collection was so extensive that it needed its own museum. Previously it was thought that many of the artifacts could be housed in the Octagon House, (our house museum), but because of the generosity of our citizens the collection soon grew too large and more space was needed. Mrs. Sutton effectively bequeathed the building to NHS – the only stipulation being that it be dedicated to Mike and Sally McCleod, early NHS dedicated volunteers, involved in the Octagon house restoration.
From the period of 1997 through 2006, when the first exhibit premiered, much effort was put into gathering the collection from various locations where it had been stored, identifying and organizing the objects and attending classes on how to establish and set up a museum ,catalogue and preserve artifacts, and on exhibit structure and content. Surveys were done in the community to elicit feedback on what exhibits would be of interest to the community. Through these years several exhibits were presented as well.
Since 2006 annual rotating exhibits on the history of Akron and Newstead have been offered for private citizens as well as student and group tours at our location at 123 Main Street, Akron, N.Y.
2024 Exhibit Information
Open APRIL Through SEPTEMBER
1st and 3rd Sundays 1 – 3pm
Every Wednesday 10 – 1pm
Museum Exhibits
“Fashions from the Collection”
We take a fashionable walk through time showcasing different eras. Clothes range from informal to dressy and trendy to classic. This exhibit will be on view for our 2024 season.
“Moments in Time”
Our new permanent exhibit reflects Akron-Newstead life featuring displays on Native American Life, early Akron businesses and industry, our architectural heritage, the history of our schools, and a brief representation of Newstead’s history in conflicts that faced our nation.
In addition our research room provides supplementary materials available for public use which expands on these topics.
We are always looking for help and invite you to join us! Volunteers work on Wednesdays and help with a variety of tasks including organization and preservation of donated materials for the archives, newspaper clippings, assisting with tours and school visits, etc.
We are also available to assist with public inquiries regarding Akron-Newstead history.
Pat Rodrigues, Knight-Sutton Museum Director
For questions regarding guidelines for artifact donations contact Jannette Potera, Collections Manager: [email protected]