The Fenton History Center remembers former Fenton Art Director, Helen Gilbert, who passed away on March 24, 2025 at the age of 99.
She was born on October 17, 1925 in Rochester, a daughter of Lance and Dorothy Zavitz.
Helen held diverse roles throughout her life, including journalist, recreation director, interior design instructor, volleyball coach, restoration artist, and elementary physical education teacher. She later focused on teaching painting and restoration, with her artistic contributions seen in various local buildings. Actively involved in the community, she participated in fundraisers and received honors such as Chautauqua County Senior Citizens’ Volunteer of the Year and recognition from the City of Jamestown for restoring the Crystal Ballroom. She was also a longtime member of the Chautauqua Choir and Zion Covenant Church.
Helen served as Art Director at the Fenton History Center from 1975 to 1979, alongside Alice Chamberlain. She later served as Vice President of Curators in the early 1980s.
Helen and Alice literally transformed the mansion. They were effectively in charge of day to day operations at the time. They were the museum’s first major step toward professionalism. They repainted and decorated. They set up exhibits and whole rooms.
They did the bird’s eye view mural on the wall at the side door that all visitors see when they are given an introduction to their tour. They defined a whole era of the historical society’s history.
