The Colton Historical Society was formed in 1979 by residents of the town of Colton who were interested in the gathering and preserving of the town history. The Society received its absolute charter from the State of New York. In the early 1980's, Jackson Newton, a former Coltonian, approached the town about purchasing the former Zion Episcopal rectory and giving it to the town for the purpose of operating a museum. The first floor houses the Society's collection, while the second floor houses a cultural exhibit, consisting of items collected by Mr. Newton during his many years in the Air Force.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter.
The address of the Society is P.O.Box 223, Colton, N.Y. 13625. The annual meeting of the Society is held on the first Thursday of July. Arts, crafts, food and entertainment are available. This event is held on Main street in Colton, with events on the library lawn, Zion church lawn and at the museum. The annual event provides for an open house at the museum and a large book sale at the library.