The 63rd Annual Meeting of the Fenton Historical Society of Jamestown, New York was held Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the dining room of the Gov. Reuben Fenton Mansion.
President Janet Wahlberg called the meeting to order and issued a President’s report. The 2024 annual report was presented. Joni Blackman issued a Director’s Report. Office Manager Andrew Kolstee issued a report on finances, IT, and the museum store. Archivist/Curator Matt Tsitso issued a report on collections. Hall House Manager/vets Finding Vets Coordinator Barb Cessna issued a report on the veterans program.
There were 6 Trustee positions up for election and the membership elected the following to 5 of the 6 positions: Paul Bentley (for a second term), Thomas Goodwill (for a second term), Sharon Matson (for a second term), Janet Wahlberg (for a third term), and Angelo Cimo (for a first term). Cimo previously served on the Board from 2015 to 2024.
The four officer positions were elected as follows: Vice President Thomas Goodwill was elected President, succeeding Janet Wahlberg, who had served since 2022. President Janet Wahlberg was elected Vice President. Paul Bentley was re-elected to a second term as Secretary. Trustee Sam Papaserge was elected Treasurer, succeeding Sharon Matson.
Dave Painter, who had served on the Board since 2016, was term limited, having finished his third term.
Janet Wahlberg recognized those members, volunteers, and supporters who had passed away in 2024, which was followed by a moment of silence. They were: Joyce Bataitis, Paul Cawein, Helen Ebersole, Phoebe Forbes, Carol Hughes, Steven Johnson, Rupert Loucks, June Pumford, Brian Rapp, Peter Smith, Sally Stauffer, Charles Sylvester, and DeForest Warn.
Following adjournment, Andrew Kolstee presented a new addition to the collection: a silver ladle that was originally in the possession of the Prendergast family. More details on this acquisition will be presented in a future issue of the newsletter.
Rick Lundquist, Marie Carrubba, Paul Bentley, Tom Goodwill, and Sam Papaserge
