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 check back for the schedule of our speaker series for 2024. 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
We are currently closed but expect to resume our Highlights of Octagon tours in April.  Our normal hours of operation are the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from April through the end of October.  For information about the building, hours, special events and to schedule private tours – [email protected]

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.

Donations

Please make a donation so that we may continue our mission of preserving our properties.

Gift Shop

Here you will find our cookbook, notecards, clothing, and so much more!

Membership

Are you thinking you’d like to support the preservation and interpretation of our local history?