History
The Oneida Community (1848-1880)
John Humphrey Noyes, a radical preacher inspired by the Second Great Awakening, led a small band of followers to Central New York in 1848. The group believed deeply in Noyes’s idea of religious Perfectionism. According to this doctrine, the Second Coming of Christ had happened long ago, and the Kingdom of Heaven was converging with the Kingdom of Earth. This event made it possible for people to live without sin and create a utopia on earth.
Noyes’ ideology lent itself to radical beliefs and practices, including a form of group marriage, communal child rearing, women’s rights, and sharing all things in common. Financed by numerous lucrative industries, including animal traps, silk thread, and silverware, the Community built the 93,000 square foot Mansion House. The Mansion House was home to nearly 300 people for nearly 30 years, providing a place for the Community to practice their unique way of life.
Oneida Ltd. (1881-1987)
Pressures from the outside world and internal strife led the Community to amicably disband in 1880. However, a new venture emerged to take its place: a joint-stock company named Oneida Community, Ltd., later renamed Oneida Ltd. This secular company, founded by descendants of the original Oneida Community, was built on many of the same principles: valuing the common good, treating people with dignity, and working to make a better world. The industries of Community days were focused on producing high-quality, but affordable silverware.
Fueled by innovative designs, technology, and especially advertising, Oneida Limited became the largest silverware company in the world by the 20th century. During this time, the Mansion House became a residence for generations of Community descendants as well as an entertaining space and symbolic headquarters for the company.
The Oneida Community Mansion House (1987-Present)
In 1987, Oneida Limited signed over control of the Mansion House to a new 501(c)3 non-profit organization—named The Oneida Community Mansion House—that operates the Mansion House as a museum and National Historic Landmark, historic inn, and residence. Its surrounding 33 acres of gardens, grounds, and trails are open to the public for leisure and relaxation.
Today, the Oneida Community Mansion House seeks to use the Mansion House, grounds, and museum collection to educate and inspire the public to explore pressing social issues that still confront audiences today as well as to imagine a better world through tours, exhibits, and other educational programming.