Happy Holidays! The Fenton History Center is ready for the season. The mansion is full of exhibits for the holiday season; from the upside-down tree to the Civil War era table top tree, the aluminum forest to the feather tree, plus, the favorite ceramic village of Jamestown and the Swedish St. Lucia exhibit – it’s all waiting for you!
The Fenton Gift Shop is bursting with new gift items. We have games, puzzles, stocking stuffers, ornaments, and of course, local books. If you are looking for some unique gifts, we have them. Remember, if you are a member, you receive 10% off your purchase and you help the Fenton out! It’s great for all of us.
The holiday exhibit is “Celebrations of Winter.” Learn about how Jamestown bundles up for the weather and enjoys the season. Many interesting and nostalgic fur items were pulled from the collections to showcase the beautiful fur coats, hats, wraps and muffs. You can compare your modern sleds, skis and skates to those used in the past. Make a plan to bring your family and friends to see Jamestown’s winter celebrations.
By now you have received your Holiday Appeal letter. Why give to the Fenton Annual Fund?
This year’s annual fund focus is building on last year’s success. Your donations will help us support our education and collection department needs. Our plan is to hire a part-time museum educator in the new year. With support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Wilson Foundation we will be able to support start up costs for the position but will need donor support to move into 2027. Your donations this year will be earmarked for that support.
The other need is the ongoing expense of managing a growing collection of objects, paper and textiles. While we have some funds restricted for boxes, folders, etc., staff support is always needed. Thank you for helping us keep our staff full-time. We are making good progress in processing a large backlog of object and paper donations.
The Fenton History Center will be closed both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and Ne Year’s Eve and January 1st. From all of us; Joni, Barb, Andrew, Matthew and the Board of Trustees, to all of you, we wish you a joyous holiday season.
