Becky Robbins introduced the day's guest speaker, Joni Blackman. Joni Blackman has been the Director of the Fenton History Center since October 2024. However, she was the former Director from 2004-2017. In between, she managed the Chautauqua Blind Association, served as Operations Manager at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, and for a short time worked with Harrington Architect. Although her education and background are in natural sciences, finances, and computers, she has had over 40 years working and serving in the non-profit world.
40 years of learning in the real world has provided many of the needed skills to manage a small local history museum. Joni has served as an officer and director for a number of local non-profit Boards over the past 30 years. She has attended many professional development seminars, Annual Meetings and workshops by the American Association of Museums, the Western N.Y. Library Resources Council, and regional agencies.
Joni shared some general details about the Fenton History Center and Fenton Mansion. She explained the Fenton involves a tight group of supporters, with over 400 members. She said the annual budget is approximately $250,000 and includes a staff that includes one full time worker (her position) and three part time workers, along with more than 90 volunteers.
The home of the history center is the Fenton Mansion, built in 1863 by former New York Governor and U.S. Senator Reuben Fenton, a native of Chautauqua County who became a prominent lumberman and businessman in Jamestown before entering politics. It is 12,000 square-feet and contains 25 rooms, 19 of which are used as exhibit space. The History Center also has a second building, the Fenton Research Center, which is actually older than the mansion and was built in 1846. The research center houses all of the documents, books, and research material that is crucial in helping to preserve our local history. There is also an off-site storage location for much larger items, including everything from pieces of furniture, pianos, soap box derby cars, and more. Joni indicated the Fenton is actually looking for a third building to display items, including the Trolley Car that's been restored by Bob Johnston.
The Fenton has numerous exhibits on display, including the most recent exhibit focusing on Jamestown's early history. It is called "From the Rapids" and the name is specific to the time period when the Chadakoin River was simply known as The Rapids, due to the river having many rapids as the water was discharged from the Chautauqua Lake outlet. This period is when James Prendergast first came here to establish sawmills for his lumber enterprise. Joni provided a brief history of the Prendergast family and how it initially came through the area from eastern New York State, on their way to Tennessee. However, the Tennessee political climate didn't sit well with the family, and they eventually returned to the Chautauqua Region. This is when James Prendergast, as the story goes, had a team of horses go lose, and he went out searching for them. As he looked for them, he came upon the Rapids and determined to use the water power to establish his lumber business. The new exhibit features several key items, including a silver ladle that was made from the melted Silver that was found following the Prendergast house fire of 1812. It also contains linen sheets that were made by James' wife in 1816. Another new exhibit focuses on the the 1945 tornado that struck Jamestown and, more specifically, Brooklyn Square and Harrison Street, causing over $50 million in damages.
Besides exhibits, the Fenton also offers extensive programs and lectures, recurring genealogy workshops, a veterans finding veterans program, and the popular "Saints and Sinners" Cemetery tours in the fall. Joni also noted the Fenton is collaborating with several other history groups to hold a Chautauqua County History Expo near the end of August.
Following the presentation, Marion Beckerink offered some final remarks for her final meeting as Club President. Marion thanked all members for their support and assistance this past year, saying it has been a true honor to serve and lead the club. She noted the club has made a true impact on the Jamestown community, through 23 different projects. After expressing her thanks and gratitude, those in attendance gave Marion a standing ovation. The meeting was then adjourned.
Joni shared some general details about the Fenton History Center and Fenton Mansion. She explained the Fenton involves a tight group of supporters, with over 400 members. She said the annual budget is approximately $250,000 and includes a staff that includes one full time worker (her position) and three part time workers, along with more than 90 volunteers.
The home of the history center is the Fenton Mansion, built in 1863 by former New York Governor and U.S. Senator Reuben Fenton, a native of Chautauqua County who became a prominent lumberman and businessman in Jamestown before entering politics. It is 12,000 square-feet and contains 25 rooms, 19 of which are used as exhibit space. The History Center also has a second building, the Fenton Research Center, which is actually older than the mansion and was built in 1846. The research center houses all of the documents, books, and research material that is crucial in helping to preserve our local history. There is also an off-site storage location for much larger items, including everything from pieces of furniture, pianos, soap box derby cars, and more. Joni indicated the Fenton is actually looking for a third building to display items, including the Trolley Car that's been restored by Bob Johnston.
The Fenton has numerous exhibits on display, including the most recent exhibit focusing on Jamestown's early history. It is called "From the Rapids" and the name is specific to the time period when the Chadakoin River was simply known as The Rapids, due to the river having many rapids as the water was discharged from the Chautauqua Lake outlet. This period is when James Prendergast first came here to establish sawmills for his lumber enterprise. Joni provided a brief history of the Prendergast family and how it initially came through the area from eastern New York State, on their way to Tennessee. However, the Tennessee political climate didn't sit well with the family, and they eventually returned to the Chautauqua Region. This is when James Prendergast, as the story goes, had a team of horses go lose, and he went out searching for them. As he looked for them, he came upon the Rapids and determined to use the water power to establish his lumber business. The new exhibit features several key items, including a silver ladle that was made from the melted Silver that was found following the Prendergast house fire of 1812. It also contains linen sheets that were made by James' wife in 1816. Another new exhibit focuses on the the 1945 tornado that struck Jamestown and, more specifically, Brooklyn Square and Harrison Street, causing over $50 million in damages.
Besides exhibits, the Fenton also offers extensive programs and lectures, recurring genealogy workshops, a veterans finding veterans program, and the popular "Saints and Sinners" Cemetery tours in the fall. Joni also noted the Fenton is collaborating with several other history groups to hold a Chautauqua County History Expo near the end of August.
Following the presentation, Marion Beckerink offered some final remarks for her final meeting as Club President. Marion thanked all members for their support and assistance this past year, saying it has been a true honor to serve and lead the club. She noted the club has made a true impact on the Jamestown community, through 23 different projects. After expressing her thanks and gratitude, those in attendance gave Marion a standing ovation. The meeting was then adjourned.
