The Fenton History Center mourns the loss of Sara W. Reale, who devoted many years to the museum as an educator. She was born January 25, 1961, in Jamestown, a daughter of the late Dr. Irving and Frances Goldinger Wolinsky. She graduated from Jamestown High School in 1979 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia.
Sara’s work at the Fenton began as a museum teacher as early as 1994. She was appointed Education Director on March 1, 1997, following the resignation of Barbara Strychalski. She served until October 2004 and returned to the role in early 2014, continuing until her retirement at the end of 2016. From September 2003 until early 2004, she also served as Interim Executive Director.
She managed a team of five museum teachers during the museum’s busiest seasons, when more than 12,000 children visited each year. She was known for her strong relationships with classroom teachers and her ability to make history engaging for students through the Local Lore program, which included costumes and performances that many former participants still recall.
Sara was also devoted to the museum’s holiday exhibits, taking special pride in decorating Victorian-era displays and installing the many Christmas trees that filled the Fenton Mansion. She also participated in the Saints and Sinners Tours at Lake View Cemetery.
In addition to her work at the Fenton, Sara’s career included positions at The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Sara will be remembered for her dedication to the museum’s mission and her many contributions to education and public programs at the Fenton.
Donations made in Sara’s memory by: Beth Bige, Lawrence and Leah Brattain, Chautauqua County Visitor’s Bureau, Carl and Judy Koch, Sharon Martin, Suzanne Morton, Jill Voltmann, Janet Wahlberg, James Wolsinky, Emily Wolinsky
