Chatham Village Historical Society is a non-profit organization based in Chatham Village, New York, with the goal of “saving the charm that’s Chatham!”

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The village of Chatham, New York enjoys a rich history as a farming community and railroad hub.

The modern history of Chatham village goes back to the early 1800’s, when William Thomas was gifted 97 acres of land (which would become the village) from the parents of his wife Emma to mark their marriage. Initially known as Chatham 4 Corners, the little village began to grow with houses and businesses appearing along Main Street.

By 1869, Chatham 4 Corners was incorporated as Chatham Village; at the time Old Chatham was known simply as “Chatham”, so the official name for the area became Chatham Village.

With the addition of 4 railroad lines crossing through Chatham by the close of the 19th century, it became a center of travel and industry.

Over the years since, commerce and private citizenry have built Chatham’s Main Street and village into the bustling business district and beloved hometown we know today.

Our Mission

Chatham Village Historical Society is a community based not-for-profit, volunteer organization that strives to safeguard and celebrate the history of our village for future generations to learn about and enjoy.

CVHS was established in 1994 to save the historic 1887 Union Depot, which was successfully restored by the National Union Bank of Kinderhook. The building currently houses a branch of Community Bank, NA.

Our goals include:

• to promote understanding of Chatham village history
• to preserve art, documents, and architecture associated with the history of the village
• to collect, maintain, and preserve a library of historical documents and artifacts
• to establish a village museum

Supporting the Chatham community

Chatham Village Historical Society provides resources and education to support the Chatham community in being a well-informed, better, and happier place.

Our vision is to create an interactive museum highlighting Chatham’s interesting history.

We have organized walking tours for Chatham school children and interested citizens, maintain educational displays in various locations around town, organize fundraisers, create exciting community-building events, and protect local history with an active volunteer group.

Our accomplishments

Chatham Village Historical Society has hosted events and history tours for local students and community members, maintains educational displays around Chatham, and participates in local events. We have published two books. both by former CVHS president Gail Blass Wolczanski, Around the Village of Chatham and The Village of Chatham: A Photographic History.

Charter members of the Chatham Village Historical Society united to save the deteriorating 1887 Union Depot, incorporating on April 15, 1994.

The Chatham Village Historical Society put tremendous effort into preparing for the 150th Anniversary of the 1869 incorporation of our village.   In collaboration with the fire department and CABA, there was a grand celebration in July 2019.

We also maintain an annual presence at the Columbia County Fair, displaying items of historical note in the Heritage Village building.