Our County's Bicentennial

2008 is the first year of Chautauqua County's 200-year birthday. The formation of Chautauqua County was not complete until 1811; therefore our bicentennial goes through 2011. The Fenton History Center's Fenton Institute will be presenting a talk and discussion entitled The Early Years: Our County's Beginnings on Saturday, July 19 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 E. Fourth Street, Jamestown. The cost is free for certain levels of Fenton History Center members, $5 otherwise and $10 for prospective members.

The speakers for the event are County Historian Michelle Henry and filmmaker Chris Hall. Ms. Henry will discuss when and how the County was established and how its government has evolved. She will be using primary documents and early records to show the role of county government and how decisions were made. Those decisions continue to affect us today. Also, find out how county government has changed over 200 years.

Filmmaker Chris Hall will talk about his upcoming documentary film Flint Creek. Filmed in Chautauqua County, the short film tells a story about the War of 1812 and the actions that took place within the County, as well as the campaign of 1813, the British invasion and the burning of Buffalo. He will also talk about making the film and his motivations and interest in the topic. There will be time for discussion following the presentations.

For more information call 716-664-6256.