Peterboro Area Museum

Peterboro Area Museum is a small local history museum in the former school of the Home for Destitute Children of Madison County. It gathers the stories of Peterboro, the Madison County hamlet, with care. Peterboro has a history far bigger than its size, tied to the Smith family and the movement to end slavery.

Inside are memorabilia tied to the Smith family and to the hamlet’s role in abolition and the Underground Railroad, alongside displays on women’s rights organizing, early soccer in the community and the area’s legacy with Holstein-Friesian cows. It is a compact stop that makes local history feel close.

What to Know

• The museum is housed in the former school of the Home for Destitute Children of Madison County.
• Peterboro played a role in abolition and the Underground Railroad.
• Gerrit Smith, the abolitionist who lived in Peterboro, is among the best-known names tied to the hamlet.
• Displays also cover women’s rights organizing, early soccer and Holstein-Friesian cows.
• Madison County Tourism features the museum.