It is with great sadness we at the Fenton are bidding Jane Babinsky farewell as she transitions to a new role in another organization. She has served the Fenton with great energy and innovation over the last two-and-a-half years.
Her biggest undertaking was a gala held to celebrate the Fenton’s 60th Anniversary in 2023. It was a Roaring Twenties theme and came with a Speakeasy and a raid. It was so much fun. On a more serious note, a group of volunteers put together a time capsule and housed it in a box crated by Steve Tedquist from wood salvaged from the Third Street Oaks.
With the assistance of the Blue Star Mothers and Master Gardeners, she created a Blue Star Memorial Garden next to the mansion. This was capped off with dedication event including several local and regional dignitaries with music provided by the 96th Highlanders.
In an effort to better house and maintain our collections, Jane arranged to have Room #4 in the lower level of the Hall House refurbished for storage. This will allow us to move many artifacts back to the Hall House thus making them more accessible for exhibits.
Her interaction with the Board resulted in an upgrade of our bylaws and the rejuvenation of our Publications Committee. She will continue as a member of this committee.
Jane collaborated closely with the staff to create a long-term strategic plan encouraging each of them to make contributions to this process; yet another example of her dedication to team effort in managing the Fenton. She also encouraged staff to advance their skills with online classes.
Over the time that Jane has been with us, she has fostered relationships with other local and regional associations. One such relationship resulted in a major donation of Fenton artifacts from the McClurg Museum. Jane organized an exhibit opening to display these new artifacts and to publicly thank the McClurg Museum.
Her support of the Research Department was critical in our ability to present a Genealogy Conference this past year. It has also assisted us in acquiring and maintaining material essential to the research that we provide to our clients.
She partnered with our Office Manager Andrew Kolstee to do a major upgrade to our technology that has enabled us to set up a Scanning Lab and enhance our program presentation. She also engaged a professional company to create a virtual tour of the mansion that includes background music and incredible narration.
After a couple of security episodes and difficulties with our phones, she again worked with Andew to replace our antiquated phone system and do a major upgrade to our security system.
On a more personal note, anyone who knows Jane knows that she is an animal lover. Her beloved corgis made frequent appearances at the Fenton. The members of the Vets Finding Vets Canteen enjoyed having them visit.
If it seems like this is a list of accomplishments, it is. In the two and a half years that Jane has been with us we have moved forward by leaps and bounds. She will be deeply missed, and her replacement will have big shoes to fill.
