HISTORIC SITES
The hamlet of Peterboro is located in the Town of Smithfield, in the center of Madison County, New York 13134.
National Abolition
Hall of Fame & Museum
Located in the Smithfield Community Center, the site of the inaugural meeting of the New York State Antislavery Society Meeting in 1835.
Hours
Open from June to September
for special events, and for group tours call 315-308-1890
Gerrit Smith Estate
National Historic Monument
Home of abolitionist Gerrit Smith (1797-1874). Hundreds of fugitives from slavery and scores of abolitionists walked on this estate.
Hours
Exterior Exhibits Are Open Dawn to Dusk All Year
Buildings open from June to September
for special events, and for group tours call 315-308-1890
Peterboro Area Museum
4604 Peterboro Road, Peterboro, New York 315-684-9022
Established in 1975, the Peterboro Area Museum is located at the east end of the Peterboro Green, in the former schoolhouse of the Home for Destitute Children of Madison County, built in 1899.
Open Saturdays and Sundays, June 1 to Sept 28, 2025
from 1- 4pm
Please call to arrange special visits.
Exhibits include Peterboro Glass, the Madison County Home for Destitute Children, Gerrit Smith’s Family and their accomplishments, the Underground Railroad in Peterboro, Early Businesses, Elizabeth Smith Miller’s Dress Reform, and Gerrit Smith Miller’s contributions to soccer and the Holstein Friesian cattle industry.
The museum also has an extensive genealogical collection for families with a connection to Peterboro and the surrounding area.