“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln
2025 was a busy year. Thank you to the staff, board of trustees and volunteers that helped me relearn the ropes of managing this great organization. The events were successful because of their dedication to our local history.
This year we will fully launch the Vision 2030 campaign to create our future:
- Promote and build up the monthly donors to return $1,500 per month in 2026, $5,000 per month by 2030.
- Build a third building to meet the growing needs of the organization; visible large collection storage, exhibit space, a second gift shop, staff workspace, 50-seat presentation space, and a home for the restored #93 Trolley. We have some great momentum going into 2026!
- Sustain the Education Coordinator position beyond 2026 and expand our educational programming, bringing more programs into local schools and increasing opportunities for families and community groups.
- Fund additional collections staff, including a long, overdue and critical full inventory of our artifacts and archival materials.
- Complete major restoration projects, such as the Mansion roof and windows, collaborating with our City of Jamestown partners.
- Build the endowment funds at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation to ensure we can continue to carry out our essential work. From preserving collections to running programs and maintaining operations, without financial strain, supported by strong infrastructure and reliable funding.
Please let me know how you would like to be involved in this much needed campaign. We need volunteers, donors and champions to share the exciting work being done at the Fenton.
64th Annual Meeting. The Fenton Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Mansion. While it is a business meeting to elect the new Trustees and Officers, and to review 2025, it is also a time
to reflect on and enjoy the work the Fenton team accomplished in 2024.
13th Annual Library Lock-In. Are you a researcher/genealogist? The Library Lock-In is for you! Bring your bag(s) and laptops, plus a dish to pass on Saturday, January 10 from noon to 10 p.m. The cost is $30. Dive into the Hall House Research Center records to break your brick wall, find a birth, marriage or death date or your ancestor’s first name. It’s all possible at the 13th Annual Library Lock-in.
Fenton Cleaning Days. Fenton is closed January 11-23 for it’s annual cleaning and behind-the-scenes repair work days. All volunteers are invited to lend a hand, a broom, or a paint brush. Please let me know if you would like to help. The to-do list is long. If you have hands and a few hours we would love to have you join us!
Saturday, January 24 is Doors Open day. It’s a day to learn about your hometown. All the local tourist attractions are open for FREE. Please register online at fentonhistorycenter.org/doorsopen. We are limiting the number of visitors each hour to preserve the 162 year old Fenton Mansion.
Fenton Trivia 2026 at Shawbucks is every Wednesday night in MARCH. We moved it in hopes of better weather and attendance. This is a fundraiser for the Fenton and your support it welcome. More information to follow soon.
Thank you for your continued support of the Fenton History Center through your donations and time. Without you there would be no Fenton History Center.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
