September is the calm before the whirlwind of the 20th Saints and Sinners Cemetery Tours and the long running Mausoleum Tours. These fundraisers have become a tradition in Jamestown. We have visitors who travel annually from as far away as Ohio and Rochester to make sure they don’t miss a carriage ride or a walking tour. Each year’s stories are different. I can tell you the board of directors, staff and volunteers are excited to make this event happen every year. We added six additional carriage tours this year to try to avoid a waiting list. Don’t wait to get your tickets!!!
Also coming this month is a collaborative exhibit with the Creche organization that does so much for the families of the greater Jamestown area. The Creche, Inc. is celebrating its 125th Anniversary and honoring its founder, Josephine Fenton Gifford, Governor Fenton’s oldest daughter, with a Gala event and this exhibit. The organization’s legacy is impressive. The group is still working to support local children. The exhibit opening is mid-September – you will get an email notice about it.
Thank you to all that participated in the August 23rd History Expo. We were so happy to see 49 organizations come together to show their interest in saving our local history. The day long event was hosted and supported by the Chautauqua County Historian’s office. A Bed Tax grant paid for many of the event expenses. There was a basket raffle, and large raffles of an adult sized bicycle, an engraved rocking chair from Your Custom Chair (a division of Fancher Chair), and a genealogy resources basket worth over $400. Thank you to the participants, visitors, and volunteers that made the day a success.
